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ALICE  B.  STOCKHAM 


HOLMES  BOOl 

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TOKOLOGY 


lai  ^oob  for  Cberp  Moman 


ALICE  B.  STOCKHAM,  M.  D. 


ILLUSTRATED 


Maternal  love!  Thou  word  that  sums  all  bliss; 
Gives  and  receives  all  bliss,  fullest  when  most 
Thou  eivest!  —Ptlhtk 


REVISED  EDITION 


R.    F.    FENNO    &    COMPANY 

18  East  17th  St.,  New  York 


BIOLOGY 

LlDRARir 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1893, 

By  ALICE  B.  STOCKHAM,  M.  D. 
In  the  ofiBce  of  Librarian  of  Congress,  Washington,  D.  C. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1886, 

By  ALICE  B.  STOCKHAM,  M.  D. 
In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1883, 

By  ALICE  B.  STOCKHAM,  M.  D. 
In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


ALL  RIGHTS  RESERVED. 


TOKOLOGY  IS  DEDICATED 

first: 

To  My  Daughter, 

WHOSE   FAITH   IN  THE  PHYSICAL 

REDEMPTJON   OF   WOMAN   BY  CORRECT 

LIVING  HAS    BEEN    A   CONSTANT 

inspiration  in  its 
production! 

second: 

To  all  Women 

WHO,  following  the  lessons 

HEREIN   taught,   WILL  BE  SAVED  THE 

sufferings  peculiar  to 
their  sex. 


IVl      O'^'l^^' 


^J& 


CONTENTS^ 


Portrait  of  Author. 
CHAPTER  L 

PAINLESS  CHILDBIRTH. 

Painless  childbirth — ^Testimony  of  travelers,  missionaries  and  physi- 
cians— Sufferings  in  childbirth  greater  in  this  country  than  in  any 
other — Is  this  a  curse  upon  woman? — Indian  women  do  not  suffer 
in  labor — Dr.  Dewees — Prof.  Huxley — Remarkable  cases  of  par- 
turition without  pain — Author's  professional  experience— Anecdote 
of  Dr.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes — Proofs  of  science — Lay  aside 
prejudice. 17-24 

CHAPTER  n. 

CONCEPTION — FETAL  DEVELOPMENT. 

The  reproductive  apparatus — ^The  ovaries — ^The  oviducts — ^The  uterus 
— ^The  vagina — Mammary  glands — Conception — Law  of  concep- 
tion— Development  of  the  embryo — The  placenta — Fetal  circula- 
tion— Blue  baby — Duration  of  pregnancy — Growth  of  the  embryo 
—Eight  months  baby 25-36 

CHAPTER  HL 

PREGNANCY— SIGNS  AND  SYMPTOMS. 

Four  physical  signs — Cessation  of  menses — ^Increase  of  size — Quicken- 
ing— Fetal  heart-beat — Positive  indication  of  pregnancy — Patho- 
logical symptoms — Physicians  offer  no  relief — A  woman's  sad 
experience. , , 37-41 

CHAPTER  IV. 

DISEASES  OF  PREGNANCY— INDIGESTION,  NAUSEA,  ETC. 

Indigestion  a  common  ailment — Starch  and  fats  the  prime  cause  oi 

(K.) 


2i  CONTENTS. 

dyspepsia—Children's  food  is  jriven  to  the  pigs — Morning  sick* 
ness — Is  it  a  natural  symptom? — Biliousness,  what  is  it? — Enemas, 
their  uses — Do  not  force  the  appetite — ^Tradition's  teachings^ 
Will  the  fetus  starve? ^ •4*-50 

CHAPTER  V. 

DISEASES  OF  PREGNANCY — CONSTIPATION. 

Most  women  suffer  from  constipation — Causes — Hoi  bread— White 
flour — Baking  powders — Errors  in  dress — Cathartic  drugs — Treat- 
ment— Wally  and  the  Lockport  entire  wheat  bread — Wheatlet— 
Cracked  or  rolled  wheat — How  Charlie  was  cured — Feast  on 
fruits — Foods,  laxative  and  constipating — Special  exercises— 
Goiag  without  supper , tftit** ••51-73 

CHAPTER  VI. 

DISEASES  OF  PREGNANCY— HEADACHE,  NEURALGIA,  HEARTBURN. 

Headache — Tea  and  sick  headache— Headache  can  be  cured — ^Treat- 
ment— Heartburn — Flatulence — Hemorrhoids — Greedy  appetite- 
Loss  of  appetite — Longings — Diarrhea — Neuralgia — Case  from 
practice — Burning  feet — Cramps — Swelling  of  extremities — Sleep- 
lessness— Leucorrhea — Pruritus , , ,  .74-89 

CHAPTER  VIL 

HYGIENE  OF  PREGNANCY— DRESS. 

Congenial  surroundings — Overtaxed  mothers — An  old  lady's  story — ■ 
An  every-day  experience — Lucrative  work — An  author's  interest- 
ing testimony — Prophecy  for  the  future — Dress  and  fashion — 
Common  sense  shoes — Can  ladies  stand  in  street  cars? — Union  un- 
der-garments — The  chemiloon — The  princess  garment  —  Bates 
waist — The  divided  skirt — Equestrian  tights — Dress  and  freedom 
for  women — Dress  in  pregnancy — What  corset  can  be  worn — 
Fashion  in  deformity 90-IIO 

CHAPTER  Vni. 

HYGIENE  IN  PREGNANCY — BATHING. 

The  water  cure  mania — The  "ounce  of  prevention" — "A  coat  of  mail** 
— The  sitz-bath  the  very  best  bath  for  a  pregnant  woman — Fo- 
mentations— Save  doctors'  visits^— Hot  water  bottles — Cold  com- 


CONTENTS.  x! 

press— Foot  and  leg  bath— The  Turkish  bath— Thennal  bath  at 
home — Queen  of  baths 111-123 

CHAPTER  IX. 

HYGIENE  IN  PREGNANCY— DIET. 

Avoid  fats  and  sweets — ^The  chemist's  theory — Proper  food  prevents 
pain  in  childbirth — Mrs.  Rowbotham's  experience — Marvelously 
easy  labor  and   rapid  recovery — Interesting  testimony  from  the 

wife  of  a  Michigan  judge — Mrs.  could  get  no  doctor,  and 

child  bom  without  pain! — She  believes  pain  in  childbirth  unneces- 
sary— Extraordinary  experience! — Scientific  theory  accidentally 
proved — A  boon  to  every  woman — Bill  of  fare  for  every  day  in  the 
week — Analysis  of  food ,*,,,,.,  ,124-137 

CHAPTER  X. 

HYGIENE  IN  PREGNANCY— EXERCISE. 

Motion  a  law  of  nature — Nest  building — Home  labor  delights  the 
heart — Contact  with  the  earth  a  "cure-all" — Waist  breathings 
Educate  the  muscles — Massage — Muscle  beater — Military  position 
— Exercises  in  pregnancy — Climbing  stairs  during  gestation — Rules 
for  climbing  stairs  and  hills — Delsarte , .. . ,  ,138-149 

CHAPTER  XI. 

CHASTITY  IN  THE  MARRIAGE  RELATION, 

Rights  of  children — Popular  theories— Social  evil — Who  are  the  pros- 
titutes?— Touching  experience — Lessons  for  husbands — Theory  of 
continence — A  New  Testament  Lesson — Continence  in  preg. 
nancy — Its  influence  upon  pain  at  parturition — Influence  upon 
offspring — Men  reverence  the  maternal  in  woman — Parent- 
hood and  progress — Motherhood,  central  fact  in  human 
life , 150-162 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

VENTILATION — REST. 

A  pregnant  woman  breathes  for  two — Open  fire  places  in  sleeping 
rooms — Charcoal  pit  easily  constructed — Fresh  air  in  bedrooms 
— Drafts — Cold  air  not  pure  air — The  nose  a  sentinel — Unslaked 


xii  CONTENTS. 

lime  and  charcoal— Interesting  experiments — A  dally  siesta 
needed — How  one  mother  slept — Recapitulation — Mrs.  Stanton's 
experience — ^A  girl  is  as  good  as  a  boy 163-173 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

PARTURITION. 

What  are  labor  pains? — Stages  of  labor — Bag  of  waters — Necessary 
preparations — Directions  for  making  the  bed — Management  dur- 
ing the  first  stage — Meddlesome  midwifery — Cutting  the  cord — A 
new  heresy — No  child  should  be  washed  as  soon  as  it  is  bom — 
Delivery  of  the  after-birth — Should  the  bandage  be  applied? — 
Castor  oil — Rest,  the  best  remedy 174-182 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

DYSTOCIA. 

Difficult  labor — Caustic  treatment  a  frequent  cause — Hot  sitz-bath 
overcomes  rigidity — A  very  remarkable  case — Notes  from  practice 
— Ergot  and  cohosh — Their  poisonous  effects — Instruments — Temp- 
tation of  physicians — Women  can  make  instruments  known  in 
tradition  only , 183-18^ 

CHAPTER  XV. 

POST  PARTUM  DISEASES. 

Daily  bath — Compress — Sitz-bath — Very  best  food — Cases  in  Home  of 
the  Friendless — No  need  of  milk  fever — Abcess  of  the  breast — 
Excoriated  nipples — Insufficient  milk — Drink  new  or  hot  milk — 
Do  not  use  ale  or  beer — Excessive  flow  of  milk — After-pains — 
The  lochia — Hemorrhage — Childbed  fever — ^Causes  to  be  avoided 
—Dr.  Playfair's  opinion— Treatment  must  be  prompt. . . .  190-203 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

INFANTS,  THEIR  CARE  AT  BIRTH  AND  DURING  EARLY  INFANCY. 

A  new  being — Need  of  rest — An  oil  bath — Dressing  the  navel — Cloth- 
ing— Useful  suggestions — Habits  of  cleanliness  can  be  secured— 
— Nursing — Mother's  milk  the  natural  food — Best  artificial  food — 
Causes  of  mortality  in  hand-fed  children — Artificial  human  milk — 
Analysis  of  milk — Care  of  the  bottle — Time  of  weaning — Meat-fed 
children  . , 204-216 


CONTENTS.  xui 

CHAPTER  XVIL 

DISEASES  OF  INFANTS. 

Aphtha — Excoriation — Colic — Mother's  friend— Soothing  syrup — Con« 
stipation — Diarrhea— Dysentery — Summer  complaint — Inflamma- 
tion of  the  bowels — ^Dentition — Lancing  the  gums — Starchy  food 
Remedies., •  •.....•.  ..•••t • 217-231 

CHAPTER  XVIIL 

DISEASES  OF  INFANTS— CONTINUED. 

Worms — Incontinence  of  urine — Retention  of  urine — Croup,  the  moth- 
er's terror — True  and  false  croup^A  sovereign  remedy— Diph- 
theria— Popular  remedies — Contagious  diseases — Scarlet  fever- 
Tabular  differences  between  scarlet  fever  and  measles— Whooping 
cough — Convulsions— Practical  suggestions. ,, . , 232-243 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

ABORTION. 

Prevention— Treatment— Feticide — Viability  of  the  embryo^ Two 
vcrongs  cannot  make  one  right — Maternal  instinct  inherent — In- 
centives to  produce  abortion — Unwelcome  children 243-25 1 

CHAPTER  XX 

MENSTRUATION. 

Definition — Cause — Should  be  devoid  of  suffering— Disorders— Sup- 
pression— Painful  menstruation — Errors  in  dress — Lack  of  exercise 
— Romping  girls — ^Wrong  diet — Heat,  a  sovereign  remedy — Re- 
markable cases— Flowing,  Remedies , 252-262 

CHAPTER  XXL 

DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 

Nine-tenths  of  American  women  have  these  maladies— Common-sense 
hints — Inflammation — Mental  sufferings — A  cause  of  insanity— 
Ulceration — Induration — Errors  in  dress  and  diet — Sitz-bath— 
Thermal  bath — Injections — Valuable  exercises — Caustic  treatment 
— Acids  and  probes — Sufferings  induced  and  prolonged — Physiciang 
taking  the  back  track— Reforms  effected  by  the  protest  of  the 
people— Leucorrhea— Displacements — Hysteria , ,  ,263-275 


xiv  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XXn. 

CHANGE  OF  LIFE. 

A  scape-goat  of  phyticiaQ&— What  is  the  meno-pause?— Irxegolarity— 
Hot  flashes — Profuse  perspiration — Hemcnrrhage — Mental  sjrmp- 
toms— Nature  creates  no  patbc^ogical  conditions— Therapeutic 
measures— Natnral  remedies— Simple  habits,  *»,*«,„,.  ,276-285 

CHAPTER  XXm. 

DIETETICS. 

Nearly  two  hundred  recipes,  including:  Drinks  for  the  sick— Gruels- 
Jellies  —  Bread — Gems — Toast— Puddings—  Eggs — Oysters  and 
miscellaneous  dishes — ^The  outgrowth  of  experience  on  a  scientific 
basis — Healthy  food  made  palatable,  suiting  the  fastidious  and 
capricious  taste  of  the  invalid— Dainty  dishes  for  the  sick.  .286-320 

A  FAMILIAR  LETTER. 

TO  THE  READER  FROM  THE  AUTHOR. 

Regulating  sex — Various  theories — Limiting  offspring — Maternal  in- 
stinct sovereign  in  women — Law  of  ovulation — Law  of  continence 
— Other  methods — Effects  of  tobacco— Testimonials— Reasons  of 
failure— "Mind  cure"  a  reality , 321-350 

Author's  special  request *...., 351 

Glossary 351 

Index 357 

Index  OF  Dietetics 364 

Illustrations  and  explanation  of  plates — Stt  Pocket. 


TOKOLOGY. 


CHAPTER  I. 


PAINLESS  CHILDBIRTH. 

"  I  know  of  no  country,  no  tribe,  no  class,  where 
childbirth  is  attended  with  so  much  pain  and  trouble 
as  in  this  country."  Thus  replied  a  traveler  who  had 
been  many  years  in  foreign  lands,  upon  being  inter- 
rogated as  to  the  comparative  sufferings  of  savage 
and  civilized  women.  His  occupation  and  sympa- 
thies had  brought  him  into  close  relationship  with  all 
classes  of  people,  and  therefore  fitted  him  for  an  intel- 
ligent and  discriminating  judgment  in  this  matter. 

Neither  in  India,  Hindostan,  China,  Japan,  th 
South  Sea  Islands,  South  America,  nor  indeed  in  any 
country  do  women  suffer  in  both  pregnancy  and  par- 
turition as  they  do  in  this.  Possibly  among  the 
higher  classes  in  Europe  there  may  be  equal  suffer- 
ing; but  the  peasantry  everywhere  is  comparatively 
exempt. 

The  usual  testimony  of  missionaries  and  travelers 
is  that  the  squaws  of  our  own  Indian  tribes  experi- 
ence almost  no  suffering  in  childbirth,  and  the  func- 
tion scarcely  interferes  with  the  habits,  pleasures  or 
duties  of  life.  I  have  myself  seen  a  squaw  of  the 
Ottawa  tribe  carrying  her  pappoose  upon  her  back, 


.,.J[^  • ,  TESTIMONY  OF  MISSIONARIES. 

.'"strapped  to  a  board,  when  it  was  only  twenty-four 
hours  old. 

Mrs.  Armstrong,  one  of  the  early  missionaries  in 
the  Sandwich  Islands,  says:  "With  native  women 
the  labor  was  not  long  nor  severe;  the  mother,  instead 
of  remaining  in  bed,  arose,  bathed  in  cold  water, 
walked  and  ate  as  usual." 

Dr.  Storer  says:  "There  is  probably  no  suffering 
ever  experienced  which  will  compare,  in  proportion 
to  its  extent  in  time,  with  the  throes  of  parturition." 
Dr.  Meigs  says:  "Men  can  not  suffer  the  same  pain 
as  women.  What  do  you  call  the  pains  of  parturi- 
tion.^   There  is  no  name  for  them  but  agony T 

It  is  too  true  that  women  go  down  to  death  in  giving 
birth  to  children.  Thousands  of  women  believe  that 
this  pain  is  natural  and  that  for  it  there  can  be  no  al- 
leviation. "In  sorrow  shalt  thou  bring  forth  chil- 
dren "  is  thought  to  be  a  curse  that  applies  to  all  women 
of  all  time. 

If  this  pain  and  travail  is  a  natural  accompaniment 
of  physiological  functions — if  it  is  a  curse  upon  women, 
then  why  are  the  rich,  the  enlightened  and  more 
favored  daughters  of  earth  greater  sufferers  than  the 
peasantry,  the  savage,  the  barbarian,  and  those  who 
we  call  heathen.?  Is  it  not  possible,  by  research  and 
comparison,  to  learn  the  natural  and  true  mode  of 
life,  so  that  motherhood  may,  among  enlightened 
people,  be  relieved  from  this  burden  of  suffering.? 
May  it  not  prove  that  our  traditions  and  teachings 
upon  this  subject  have  been  altogether  erroneous? 

American  women  in  education  and  enlightenment, 
in  freedom  and  progress,  are  the  peers  of  the  best  and 
noblest  of  their  sex.     From  individual,  social  and  na- 


DR.  GAILLARD  THOMAS.  I9 

tional  interests,  they  ought  to  be  conversant  with  all 
that  pertains  to  this  subject,  so  closely  allied  to  the 
interests  of  the  race. 

We  find  in  women  of  superior  education  and 
marked  intelligence  an  exaggerated  development  of 
the  emotional  nature,  and  a  corresponding  deteriora- 
tion of  physical  powers.  Weakness,  debility,  and 
suffering  is  the  common  lot  of  most  of  them.  Not 
one  in  a  hundred  has  health  and  strength  to  pursue 
any  chosen  study,  or  to  follow  any  lucrative  occupa- 
tion, and  what  is  vastly  worse,  most  are  unfitted  for 
the  duties  and  perils  of  maternity. 

Dr.  Gaillard  Thomas  says:  "Neither  appreciation 
of,  nor  desire  for,  physical  excellence  sufficiently  ex- 
ists among  refined  women  of  our  day.  Our  young 
women  are  too  willing  to  be  delicate,  fragile  and  in- 
capable of  endurance.  They  dread  above  all  things 
the  glow  and  hue  of  health,  the  rotundity  and  beauty 
of  muscularity,  the  comely  shapes  which  the  great 
masters  gave  to  the  Venus  de  Medici  and  Venus  de 
Milo.  All  these  attributes  are  viewed  as  coarse  and 
unladylike,  and  she  is  regarded  as  most  to  be  envied 
whose  complexion  wears  the  livery  of  disease,  whose 
muscular  development  is  beyond  the  suspicion  of 
embonpoint,  and  whose  waist  can  almost  be  spanned 
by  her  own  hands. 

"As  a  result,  how  often  do  we  see  our  matrons 
dreading  the  process  of  child-bearing,  as  if  it  were  an 
abnormal  and  destructive  one ;  fatigued  and  exhausted 
by  a  short  walk,  or  ordinary  household  cares;  choos- 
ing houses  with  special  reference  to  freedom  from 
one  extra  flight  of  stairs,  and  commonly  debarred  the 
one  great  maternal  privilege  of  nourishing  their  own 


20  INTERESTING  CASES. 

offspring.  These  are  they  who  furnish  employment 
for  the  gynecologist,  and  who  fill  our  homes  with  in- 
valids and  sufferers." 

Understanding  and  following  physiological  laws, 
pregnancy  ought  to  be  as  free  from  pathological  symp- 
toms, and  parturition  as  void  of  suffering  with  Amer- 
ican women  as  with  any  on  earth,  or  even  with  the 
lower  animals. 

Dr.  Dewees  says:  ^^Pain  in  childbirth  is  a  morbid 
symptom;  it  is  a  perversion  of  nature  caused  by  modes 
of  living  not  consistent  with  the  most  healthy  condi- 
tion of  the  system,  and  a  regimen  which  would  insure 
a  completely  healthy  condition  might  be  counted  on 
with  certainty  to  do  away  with  such  pain." 

The  great  English  scientist,  Professor  Huxley,  says: 
"We  are  indeed,  fully  prepared  to  believe  that  the 
bearing  of  children  may  and  ought  to  become  as  free 
from  danger  and  long  debility  to  the  civilized  woman 
as  it  is  to  the  savage." 

The  following  paragraphs  from  one  of  the  essays 
in  Dr.  Montgomery's  classical  work  on  Pregnancy, 
give  practical  details  of  cases  in  illustration  of  the 
belief  in  painless  parturition. 

"  In  a  letter  to  me  Dr.  Douglas  states  that  he  was 
called  about  6  A.  M.,  Sept.  26,  1828,  to  attend  a  Mrs. 
D.,  residing  on  Eccles  St. 

"On  his  arrival  he  found  the  house  in  the  utmost 
confusion,  and  was  told  that  the  child  had  been  born 
before  the  messenger  was  dispatched  for  the  doctor. 
From  the  lady  herself  he  learned  that,  about  half  an 
hour  previously,  she  had  been  awakened  from  a 
natural  sleep  by  the  alarm  of  a  daughter  about  five 
years  old,  who  slept  with  her. 


author's  observation.  21 

"  This  alarm  was  occasioned  by  the  little  girl  feeling 
the  movements,  and  hearing  the  cries  of  an  infant  in 
bed.  To  the  mother's  great  surprise  she  had  brought 
forth  her  child  without  any  consciousness  of  the  fact. 

"A  lady  of  great  respectability,  the  wife  of  a  peer 
of  the  realm,  was  actually  delivered  once  in  her  sleep; 
she  immediately  awakened  her  husband,  being 
alarmed  to  find  one  more  in  bed  than  there  was 
before. 

"  I  have  elsewhere  mentioned  the  case  of  a  patient  of 
mine  who  bore  eight  children  without  ever  having 
labor  pains.  Her  deliveries  were  so  sudden  and  void 
of  sensible  effect  that  in  more  than  one  instance  they 
took  place  under  most  awkward  circumstances,  but 
without  any  suffering." 

Dr.  J.  King,  in  his  work  on  Obstetrics,  speaks  of 
attending  cases  where  there  was  no  sensation  of  pain. 

He  found  that  by  placing  the  hand  upon  the  abdo- 
men, the  muscular  contractions  were  distinctly  felt, 
and  examination  proved  the  progress  of  labor,  while, 
excepting  a  suppressed  breath,  the  patient  experi- 
enced no  change  from  the  ordinary  condition. 

Some  very  marked  cases  have  come  to  my  own 
knowledge  proving  the  possibility  of  painless  labor. 
I  attended  a  neighbor  of  mine  in  four  different  confine- 
ments. I  never  was  able  to  reach  her  before  the 
birth  of  the  child,  although  I  lived  only  across  the 
street,  and  according  to  her  injunctions,  always  kept 
my  shoes  "  laced  up."  She  sent  for  me,  too,  at  the 
first  indication  of  labor.  There  was  always  one  pro- 
longed effort  and  the  child  was  expelled.  The  heads 
of  her  children  were  temporarily  distorted,  showing 
pliabilit  V  of  the  osseous  structure. 


92  PAINLESS  CHILDBIRTH   POSSIBLE. 

Another  lady  patron  had  two  children  without  a 
particle  of  pain.  With  the  first  she  was  alone  with 
her  nurse.  During  the  evening  she  remarked  that 
she  felt  weary  and  believed  that  she  would  lie  down. 
She  had  been  on  the  bed  no  more  than  twenty  min- 
utes when  she  called  to  her  nurse,  saying:  "  How 
strangely  I  feel!  I  wish  you  would  see  what  is  the 
matter,"  when  to  their  astonishment  the  child  was 
already  born. 

Two  years  later  I  was  summoned  to  the  same  lady 
about  ten  at  night.  The  membranes  were  ruptured, 
but  no  other  visible  indication  of  labor.  Investiga- 
tion revealed  dilatation  of  the  cervix  and  although 
she  soon  fell  into  a  quiet  slumber,  I  noticed  regular 
and  distinct  contractions.  The  child  was  born  about 
two  in  the  morning  without  any  sensation  of  pain.  I 
have  no  doubt  that  in  her  previous  confinement  the 
contractions  went  on  the  same,  and  if  she  had  been 
one  to  mark  her  symptoms  closely,  she  would  have 
felt  them  as  one  feels  muscular  contractions  in  the 
performance  of  other  natural  functions. 

The  cases  that  have  been  cited,  so  far  as  is  known, 
were  persons  in  excellent  health,  and  some  were  per- 
sons of  exceptionally  fine  and  strong  constitutions. 
Dr.  Holbrook  in  his  "Parturition  without  Pain," 
says:  "Those  women  of  savage  nations  who  bear 
children  without  pain  live  much  in  the  open  air,  take 
much  exercise,  and  are  physically  active  and  healthy 
to  a  degree  greatly  beyond  their  more  civilized  sisters. 
These  instances  tend  directly  to  prove  that  parturi- 
tion is  likely  to  be  painless  in  proportion  as  the 
mother  is  physically  perfect  and  in  a  sound  condi- 
tion cf  health.     They  certainly   tend   even    more 


ANECDOTE  OF  DR.  HOLMES.  2$ 

strongly  to  prove  that  pain  is  not  an  absolute  neces- 
sity attendant  on  parturition. 

"The  course  of  modern  scientific  investigation, 
moreover,  has  gone  far  to  justify  a  belief  that  this 
terrific  burden  upon  humanity  can  be  almost  entirely 
removed,  and  that  the  pain  can  be  as  completely 
done  away  with  as  the  danger  and  disfigurement 
from  small-pox.  At  the  same  time,  this  immeasu- 
rable benefit  to  humanity  cannot  be  obtained  without 
proper  use  of  means,  and  the  continuance  of  such  use 
for  a  considerable  period. 

"The  doctrine  of  the  ablest  thinkers  on  the  subject 
will  be  found  to  agree  in  this:  That  it  is  the  previous 
life  of  the  mother — the  whole  of  ity  from  her  birth  to 
the  birth  of  the  child — which  almost  entirely  deter- 
mines what  her  danger,  her  difficulty,  and  her  pain 
during  childbirth  shall  be.  Her  easy  or  difficult 
labor,  in  fact,  is  almost  entirely  her  own  work.  Her 
conduct  during  gestation,  it  is  true,  is  more  immedi- 
ately influential  in  the  result  than  remoter  periods, 
and  bears  more  greatly  upon  the  future  life  of  her 
offspring  than  even  upon  herself." 

Dr.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes  once  said  that  he 
believed  that  any  disease,  no  matter  how  virulent, 
how  malignant  or  how  deep-seated,  whether  it  was 
cancer,  consumption  or  cholera,  any  disease  could  be 
cured  if  the  physician  was  called  in  time.  But  with 
his  wonted  humor  he  added:  "There  are  cases  in 
which  the  physician  should  be  called  at  least  two 
hundred  years  in  advance." 

With  Dr.  Holmes,  I  believe  it  will  take  many  years 
to  eradicate  diseased  conditions  which  are  the  heritage 
of  this  generation,  and  thus  to  produce  men  and  women 


24  PROOFS  OF  SCIENCE. 

of  physical  perfection.  Science  has  proven,  how- 
ever, that  any  woman  possessing  sufficient  vitality  to 
make  procreation  possible,  can  do  much,  even  during 
pregnancy,  to  alleviate  the  sufferings  of  that  period, 
as  well  as  the  final  throes  of  travail.  Pain  and  suffer- 
ing have  so  long  been  the  customary  attendant  upon 
the  maternal  functions,  that  many  are  slow  to  believe 
they  can  ever  be  alleviated.  Painless  childbirth  is 
thought  to  be  an  impossibility.  The  reader  is  begged 
to  lay  aside  all  previous  prejudices,  and  it  is  believed 
that  when  this  volume  has  been  thoroughly  studied 
he  will  be  convinced  that  women  in  bearing  offspring 
should  furnish  no  exception  to  the  laws  of  nature, 
and  that  pregnancy  and  parturition  may  and  ^«^/?/ to 
be  devoid  of  suffering. 

In  Tokology,  technical  terms  have  been  avoided  as  much  as  possi- 
ble. For  the  few  used  the  reader  will  find  helpful  hints  in  the  Glos- 
sary, page  354.  If  possible,  the  few  remedies  prescribed  in  Tokology 
should  be  procured  at  a  Homoeopathic  Pharmacy,  or  of  a  Homoeo- 
pathic Physician.  They  are,  however,  sometimes  found  already  pre- 
pared in  a  drug  store. 


CHAPTER  II. 


CONCEPTION — FETAL  DEVELOPMENT. 

The  REPRODUCTIVE  APPARATUS  of  woman  con- 
sists essentially  of  ovaries,  oviducts,  uterus,  vagina 
.  and  mammary  glands. 

The  ovaries  (Plates  II  and  VI)  are  two  almond- 
shaped  bodies,  situated  about  two  and  one-half  inches 
distant  on  either  side  of  the  uterus.  They  are  in- 
closed in  the  broad  ligaments  and  suspended  by  a 
thread-like  cord  from  the  womb,  also  attached  to  the 
outer  extremities  of  the  oviducts.  They  consist  of  a 
stroma  in  which  vesicles  are  imbedded.  It  is  within 
these  vesicles  that  the  ova,  or  eggs,  are  found.  Every 
four  weeks,  during  the  child-bearing  period  an  ovum 
matures,  and  bursting  through  the  vesicle,  as  well  as 
the  surrounding  membrane  of  the  ovary,  is  conveyed 
to  the  womb  by  the  oviduct. 

While  not  the  largest,  the  ovary  is  the  most  im- 
portant of  the  generative  organs  of  woman.  Upon 
these  apparantly  insignificant  structures  depends  the 
creative  power  giving  the  grand  office  of  mother- 
hood, a  power  akin  to  the  divine.  Maternity!  the 
holiest  shrine  of  human  life,  to  which  poets  do  hom- 
age, and  true  men  bow  in  reverence  ! 

The  ovaries  contain  the  fructifying  principle,  and 
also  bestow  on  woman  the  characteristics  of  sex. 
These  mysterious  bodies  are  the  grand  source  of  fem- 

C35J 


26  UTERUS  AND  OVIDUCTS. 

Jnine  attractions.  Remove  all  other  generative  organs 
and  you  do  not  change  her  in  this  regard — remove 
the  ovaries,  and  she  becomes  masculine  not  only  in 
character  but  appearance.  Her  figure  changes,  her 
voice  becomes  coarse  and  of  lower  pitch,  her  throat 
enlarges,  and,  in  some  instances,  whiskers  appear. 
Any  diseased  condition,  too,  of  the  ovaries  produces 
great  constitutional  as  well  as  emotional  disturbances 

The  oviducts  or  fallopian  tubes  (Plates  II 
and  VI)  are  minute  cylindrical  openings  from  the  su- 
perior and  lateral  portion  of  the  uterus,  about  three 
inches  in  length  and  terminating  in  fimbriated  or  fin- 
ger-like extremities.  The  latter  are  minute  muscular 
bodies,  which  grasp  the  ovum  as  it  bursts  through 
the  membranes  of  the  ovary,  and  convey  it  into  the 
oviduct  on  its  way  to  the  uterus.  The  ovum  is  less 
than  I-I20  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  the  cavity  of 
the  oviduct  is  so  small  that  it  would  scarcely  allow 
the  entrance  of  a  hog's  bristle. 

The  uterus  (Plates  II,  III,  IV,  V  and  VII)  is  a 
pear-shaped  muscular  organ  situated  in  the  inferior 
portion  of  the  pelvis,  between  the  bladder  and  rectum. 
It  is  less  than  three  inches  length  and  two  inches 
in  width,  and  one  in  thickness.  It  is  pear-shaped,  the 
cervix  naturally  pointing  to  the  coccyx. 

The  canal  or  opening  into  the  icterus  through  the 
cervix  is  small,  capable  of  admitting  a  probe  |  to  | 
of  an  inch  in  diameter.  The  walls  are  muscular,  and 
in  the  unimpregnated  state  about  half  an  inch  in 
thickness.  The  cavity  of  the  uterus  is  small  2r  d  con- 
ical, having  three  openings,  two  at  its  upper  portion 
into  the  oviducts,  and  one  into  the  vagina.  1  ne  latter 
is  called  the  Os  titeri  or  mouth  of  the  womb.     The 


UTERINE   SUPPORTS.  2J 

apper  broad  portion  is  called  the  fundus.  It  weighs 
from  one  to  two  ounces.  It  is  difficult  to  realize  how 
very  diminutive  this  organ  is  in  the  virgin  state,  es- 
pecially when  we  consider  its  power  of  distension 
during  pregnancy. 

The  external  portion  of  the  uterus  is  covered  by 
Xho.  peritoneum,  a  serous  membrane  which  is  contin- 
uous with  the  lining  of  the  abdomen  and  covering  of 
all  the  viscera.  The  uterus  is  held  in  place  by  liga- 
ments formed  of  folds  of  the  peritoneum.  The  broad 
ligament  enveloping  the  oviduct  and  ovaries  extends 
to  either  side,  and  is  firmly  attached  to  the  sides  of 
the  pelvis.  The  round  ligaments,  formed  from  oblit- 
erated bloodvessels  of  fetal  life  and  peritoneal  cov- 
ering, pass  from  the  upper  portion  of  the  womb  to 
the  outside  of  the  pelvic  bone  and  terminate  in  mus- 
cular and  cellular  tissue  beneath  the  integument. 
There  are  also  folds  of  peritoneum  between  the  womb 
and  bladder  in  the  front,  and  the  womb  and  rectum 
in  the  back,  that  assist  in  holding  it  in  position.  It  is 
besides  largely  supported  by  the  elasticity  of  the  va- 
gina and  muscles  of  the  perineum.  So  well  sustained 
is  the  uterus  that  only  serious  violations  of  physical 
laws  can  cause  deviations  of  position 

The  Vagina  (Plates  II  and  III)  is  simply  the  ex- 
ternal outlet  or  passage  from  the  uterus.  It  is  longer 
in  back  than  in  front,  being  from  three  to  four  inches 
in  front  and  from  five  to  six  inches  in  the  posterior 
portion.  It  is  a  cylindrical  tube  of  firm  elastic  tissue, 
capable  of  great  distension.  The  neck  of  the  uterus 
dips  into  the  upper  part  of  the  vagina  about  three- 
fouths  of  an  inch.  The  communication  between 
these  organs  is  the  cervical  canal,  which  in  health  is 


28  MAMMARY    Ci LANDS — CONCEPTION. 

found  closed,  admitting  a  probe  with  difificulty.  The 
uterus  and  vagina  are  not  one  and  the  same  as  many 
suppose,  yet  communicate  with  each  other.  The  va- 
gina serves  as  a  passage  for  the  menstrual  fluid,  for 
the  fetus  at  birth,  and  for  the  reception  of  the  male 
organ  in  copulation,  and  in  a  state  of  health  assists 
the  perineal  muscles  in  sustaining  the  uterus. 

The  MAMMARY  GLANDS  or  breasts  (Plate  XI)  are 
accessory  to  the  generative  system.  They  secrete 
milk  which  supplies  the  child  with  nourishment  after 
birth.  They  are  rounded  and  prominent,  keepinp; 
their  form  and  position  through  life,  if  the  surround  • 
ing  muscles  and  tissues  have  not  been  weakened  by 
pressure  of  clothing. 

Conception  or  impregnation  takes  place  by  the 
union  of  the  male  sperm  and  female  germ.  Whether 
this  is  accomplished  in  \\y^  <n'aries,\\i&  oviducts  ox  \}ciQ. 
uterus,  is  still  a  question  of  discussion  and  investiga- 
tion by  physiologists. 

The  ovum,  or  &g%,  matures  and  is  taken  up  by  the 
fimbriated  extremities  of  the  oviducts  at  the  time  of 
menstruation.  To  reach  the  outer  world  it  must 
pass  the  length  of  the  oviducts,  the  cavity  and  canal 
of  the  uterus  and  vagina.  The  fructifying  principle 
of  the  semen  consists  of  zoosperms,  which  under 
strong  magnifying  powers  are  seen  to  be  filaments 
endowed  with  power  of  propulsion. 

Once  entering  the  utering  cavity  there  is  no  reason 
why  they  should  not  be  able  to  pass  into  the  oviducts 
or  even  to  reach  the  ovaries.  The  probabilities  are 
impregnation  can  take  place  at  any  point  in  the 
generative  tract,  providing  the  ovum  and  sperms 
come  in  contact  while  they  still  live.     It  is  pretty 


DEVELOPMENT  OF  EMBRYO.  29 

well  proven  that  the  ovum  after  maturing  and  being 
dislodged  from  the  ovaries  may  retain  its  life  from 
six  to  eight  days,  and  also  be  that  length  of  time  in 
making  its  exit  from  the  uterus.  That  the  sperms 
are  viable,  also,  for  some  days,  if  retained  in  their 
own  element  at  a  certain  temperature,  has  been 
established  quite  definitely. 

With  many  women  the  ovum  passes  off  within 
twenty-four  or  forty-eight  hours  after  menstruation 
begins.  Some,  by  careful  observation,  are  able  to 
know  with  certainty  when  this  takes  place.  It  is 
often  accompanied  with  malaise,  nervousness,  head- 
ache, or  actual  uterine  pain.  A  minute  substance 
like  the  white  of  an  &^^,  with  a  fleck  of  blood  in  it, 
can  frequently  be  seen  upon  the  clothing.  Ladies 
who  have  noticed  this  phenomenon  testify  to  its 
recurring  very  regularly  upon  the  same  day  after 
menstruation.  Some  delicate  women  have  observed 
it  as  late  as  the  fourteenth  day. 

Nourishment  and  development  of  the  em- 
bryo.— There  are  three  distinct  periods  of  nutrition 
in  the  uterine  development  of  the  human  being: 

First — Yolk  nutrition. 

Second — Tuft  nutrition. 

Third — Placental  nutrition. 

The  period  of  yolk  nutrition  in  the  human  is  brief 
and  probably  variable.  The  minute  size  of  the  &^^ 
renders  it  impossible  for  it  to  furnish  nutriment  for 
any  length  of  time,  as  is  the  case  with  the  embryo  of 
the  fowl.  From  five  to  eight  days  after  conception 
takes  place,  a  membrane  is  formed  around  the  ovum, 
called  the  chorion.  Outside  of  this  is  still  another 
membrane  attaching  itself  to  the  womb.    The  inter- 


30  PLACENTA— FETAL  CIRCULATION. 

nal  surface  of  the  chorion  is  supplied  with  villi  or 
tufts  resembling  mulberry  seed.  Through  these  the 
embryo  receives  its  nutrition,  until  at  the  close  of  the 
second  month,  from  these  tufts  the  placenta,  or  after- 
birth, begins  to  be  developed.  This  is  attached  to 
some  portion  of  the  uterus,  usually  the  upper  lateral 
portion. 

The  Placenta  is  a  spongy,  vascular  organ,  at  full 
term  eight  to  ten  inches  in  diameter,  and  two  or 
three  inches  thick  at  center,  thinning  at  the  edges, 
weighing  from  three-fourths  to  one  and  one-fourth 
pounds.  In  appearance  it  is  not  unlike  a  piece  of 
liver,  only  less  solid. 

It  is  the  proper  vascular  apparatus  serving  the 
combined  purpose  of  fetal  nutrition,  respiration  and 
excretion.  At  least,  through  its  absorption  all  these 
functions  are  accomplished. 

This,  with  the  membranes  surrounding  the  fetus 
and  umbilical  cord,  is  called  the  after-birth. 

The  placenta  (Plates  VIII  and  IX)  lies  in  complete 
juxtaposition  with  the  uterus,  with  an  almost  imper- 
ceptible membrane  interposed.  The  fibers  and  blood- 
vessels of  the  uterus  and  placenta  do  not  interlace,  as 
some  suppose;  each  has  a  distinct  set  of  blood  ,essels 
and  capillaries,  and  a  separate  circulation.  Nutrition 
and  excretion  are  carried  on  by  cxosmosis,  or  transu- 
dation through  this  very  attenuated  membrane. 

The  FETAL  CIRCULATION  is  an  especially  inter- 
esting phenomenon.  Instead  of  the  blood  going  to 
the  lungs  for  oxygenation,  the  entire  circuit  is  per- 
formed without  this,  the  placenta  serving  the  office 
ol  lungs  as  well  as  of  the  digestive  organs. 

From   the   placenta   oxidized   blood    is    brought 


tJMBILICAL  CORD—BAG  OF  WATERS.  3 1 

through  the  umbilical  vein,  a  large  portion  of  it  pass- 
ing to  the  liver,  but  all  eventually  enters  the  heart 
by  the  ascending  vena  cava.  By  the  Eustachian 
valve  it  is  directed  through  the  foramen  ovale  to  the 
left  auricle,  from  this  to  the  left  ventricle,  which 
conveys  it  to  the  aorta. 

Part  of  the  blood,  instead  of  taking  this  course, 
enters  the  right  ventricle,  and  in  place  of  going  to 
the  lungs  through  pulmonary  arteries,  passes  at  once 
to  the  aorta,  through  what  is  called  the  ductus 
arteriosus.  After  traveling  the  entire  circuit,  it  is 
taken  back  to  the  placenta  by  two  umbilical  arteries, 
which  are  given  off  from  the  iliac  arteries. 

At  birth  the  ductus  arteriosus  closes;  the  umbilical 
veins  form  the  round  ligament  of  the  liver,  and  the 
umbilical  arteries  the  round  ligament  of  the  uterus 
in  the  female,  and  the  urachus,  a  ligament  of  the 
bladder,  in  the  male 

ThQ  foramen  ovale  also  closes,  establishing  a  com- 
plete septum  between  the  auricles  of  the  heart. 

A  blue  baby  or  cyanosis  neonatorum  is  the  result 
should  this  valve  fail  to  close.  The  venous  blood 
commingles  with  the  arterial  blood,  and  death  is  the 
result  sooner  or  later 

The  umbilical  cord  is  made  up  of  two  arteries 
and  one  vein.  It  is  from  two  to  four  feet  in  length, 
attached  at  one  extremity  to  the  placenta,  and  at  the 
other  to  the  navel  of  the  child.  This  is  the  medium 
of  the  circulation  between  the  placenta  and  the  fetus. 

The  membranes  all  unite  before  birth  to  form  one 
thick,  tenacious  covering  for  the  child,  and  also  for 
the  cord  and  fetal  surface  of  the  placenta. 

This  inc'ioses  the  fluid — the  liquor  amnii — which 


32  FETAL  NUTRITION. 

serves  to  protect  the  fetus  from  blows  or  sudden  jar& 
The  membranes  and  the  contained  fluid  form  what 
is  known  as  the  "bag  of  waters."  Not  rupturing 
before  birth,  they  make  what  is  called  a  veil  or 
caul  over  the  child's  face,  to  which  is  attached  vari- 
ous superstitions,  such  as  the  gift  of  "  second  sight," 
clairvoyance,  etc. 

Healthy  nutrition  of  \\i^  fetus  depends  entirely 
upon  the  mother.  The  placenta  not  only  represents 
the  digestive  organs,  but  the  lungs  of  the  fetus. 
Consequently  upon  the  condition  of  the  mother 
depends  the  condition  of  the  child.  It  has  no  other 
means  of  getting  nutriment,  or  of  disposing  of  waste 
material.  After  birth  it  has  the  same  advantage  as 
the  adult  in  correcting  errors  in  diet  and  nutrition  by 
elimination.  The  skin,  with  its  miles  of  perspiratory 
ducts,  then  conveys  effete  matter  from  the  system,  the 
lungs  keep  up  by  respiration  a  constant  interchange 
of  oxygen  for  carbon,  while  the  liver,  kidneys  and 
bowels  are  active  in  their  functions  of  depurition.  In 
ntero  these  functions  are  all  dormant,  consequently 
giving  the  fetus  a  disadvantage  for  healthy  growth. 
Mothers  often  show  a  great  solicitude  about  diet  and 
conditions  during  lactation,  while  they  are  compara- 
tively indifferent  to  these  matters  during  pregnancy. 

Especially  should  they  breathe  deeply,  and  that, 
too,  of  pure  air.  Trail  says:  "If  the  mother  does  not 
breathe  sufificiently  the  child  must  suffer.  Many  a 
mother  gives  birth  to  a  frail,  scrofulous  child,  for  no 
reason  except  that  during  the  period  of  gestation  she 
is  too  sedentary  and  plethoric.  I  have  known  women 
of  vigorous  constitutions,  who  had  given  birth  to 
several  healthy  children,  become  the  mothers  of 


BJRATION  OF  PREGNANCY.  33 

children  so  puny  and  scrofulous  that  it  was  impossi- 
ble for  them  to  be  raised  to  adult  age.  The  reason 
is  that  the  mother  is  obstructed  in  her  respiratory- 
system,  and  although  she  may  breathe  enough  to 
sustain  her  own  organization  in  a  fair  condition,  she 
does  not  inhale  oxygen  enough  to  supply  the  needs 
of  an  intra-uterine  being.  Many  'still  births'  are 
explainable  on  this  principle." 

The  duration  of  pregnancy  is  nine  calendar 
months  or  ten  lunar  months,  about  280  days.  If  the 
date  of  impregnation  is  not  known,  the  count  should 
be  made  from  the  beginning  of  the  last  menstruation, 
and  add  eight  days  on  account  of  the  possibility  of  its 
occurring  within  that  period.  It  is  possible  in  some 
diseased  conditions  for  the  period  to  extend  much 
beyond  this  time.  I  knew  one  case  of  amniotic 
dropsy  where  pregnancy  extended  forty-four  weeks. 

Helen  Idleson,  M.  D.,  in  the  Med.  Wochenschrifty 
sums  up  the  results  of  her  investigations  as  follows: 
**  I.  The  duration  of  pregnancy  amounts  to  278  days, 
or  nearly  40  weeks.  2.  The  sex  of  the  infant  influ- 
ences the  duration,  this  being  longer  in  female  in- 
fants, (i*)  3.  The  heavier  the  child,  the  longer  is  the 
duration.  (J)  4.  The  duration  is  longer  in  multipara 
than  in  primipara.  5.  The  younger  the  woman  the 
longer  is  the  duration.  6.  The  duration  is  longer  in 
married  than  in  unmarried  women.  7.  The  first 
movements  of  the  child  are  felt,  on  an  average,  on 
the  one  hundred  and  thirty-fifth  day,  but  later  in 
primipara  than  in  multipara. 

"  The  growth  of  the  embryo  after  fecundation  is  very 
rapid.  On  the  tenth  day  it  has  the  appearance  of  a 
semi-transparent,  grayish  flake.     On  the  twelfth  day 


34  DURATION  OF  PREGNANCY. 

it  IS  nearly  the  size  of  a  pea,  filled  with  fluid,  in  the 
middle  of  which  is  an  opaque  spot,  presenting  the 
first  appearance  of  an  embryo,  which  may  be  clearly 
seen  as  an  oblong  or  curved  body,  and  is  plainly  visi- 
ble to  the  naked  eye  on  the  fonrtecntJi  day.  The 
twenty-first  day  the  embryo  resembles  an  ant  or  a  let- 
tuce-seed; its  length  is  from  four  to  five  lines  and  its 
weight  from  three  to  four  grains.  Many  of  its  parts 
now  begin  to  show  themselves,  especially  the  cartilag- 
inous beginnings  of  the  spinal  column,  the  heart,  etc. 

"The  thirtieth  day  the  embryo  is  as  large  as  a 
horse-fly,  and  resembles  a  worm,  bent  together. 
There  are  as  yet  no  limbs,  and  the  head  is  larger 
than  the  rest  of  the  body.  When  stretched  out  it  is 
nearly  half  an  inch  long.  Toward  the  fifth  week  the 
heart  increases  greatly  in  proportion  to  the  remain- 
der of  the  body,  and  the  rudimentary  eyes  are  indi- 
cated by  two  black  spots  turned  toward  the  sides, 
and  the  heart  exhibits  its  external  form,  bearing  a 
close  resemblance  to  that  in  the  adult. 

"  In  the  seventJi  week  bone  begins  to  form  in  the 
lower  jaw  and  clavicle.  Narrow  streaks  on  each 
side  of  the  vertebral  column  show  the  beginning  of 
the  ribs.  The  heart  is  perfecting  its  form,  the  brain 
enlarging  and  the  eyes  and  ears  growing  more  per- 
fect, and  the  limbs  sprouting  from  the  body.  The 
lungs  are  mere  sacs,  about  one  line  in  length,  and 
the  trachea  is  a  delicate  thread,  but  the  liver  is  very 
large.  In  the  seventh  week  are  formed  the  renal 
capsules  and  kidneys. 

"At  two  months  the  forearm  and  hand  can  be  distin- 
guished, but  not  the  arm;  the  hand  is  larger  than  the 
forearm,  but  it  is  not  supplied  with  fingers.  The  dis- 


GROWTH   OF  THE  EMBRYO.  35 

tinction  of  sex  is  yet  difficult.  The  eyes  are  promi- 
nent. The  nose  forms  an  obtuse  eminence.  The  nos- 
trils are  rounded  and  separated.  The  mouth  is  gap- 
ing and  the  epidermis  can  be  distinguished  from  the 
true  skin.  The  embryo  is  from  one  and  a  half  to  two 
inches  long  and  weighs  from  three  to  five  drachm^:, 
the  head  forming  more  than  one-third  of  the  whole. 

"At  the  end  of  three  mo7iths  tho.  eyelids  are  distinct 
but  shut;  the  lips  are  drawn  together;  the  forehead 
and  nose  are  clearly  traceable,  and  the  organs  of 
generation  prominent.  The  heart  beats  with  force, 
the  larger  vessels  carry  red  blood;  the  fingers  and 
toes  are  well-defined,  and  muscles  begin  to  be 
developed. 

"At  t\vQ  fourth  month  the  embryo  takes  the  name  of 
fetns.  The  body  is  six  to  eight  inches  in  length  and 
weighs  from  seven  to  eight  ounces.  The  skin  has  a 
rosy  color,  and  the  muscles  produce  a  sensible  motion. 
A  fetus  born  at  this  time  might  live  several  hours. 

"At  Jive  months  the  length  of  the  body  is  from 
eight  to  ten  inches,  and  its  weight  from  eight  to 
eleven  ounces. 

"At  six  months  the  length  is  twelve  and  a  half 
inches;  weight,  one  pound.  The  hair  appears  upon 
the  head,  the  eyes  closed,  the  eyelids  somewhat 
thicker,  and  their  margins,  as  well  as  the  eyebrows, 
are  studded  with  very  delicate  hairs. 

"At  seven  months,  every  part  has  increased  in  vol- 
ume and  perfection;  the  bony  system  is  nearly  com- 
plete; length,  twelve  to  fourteen  inches;  weight,  two 
and  a  half  to  three  pounds.  If  born  at  this  period 
the  fetus  is  able  to  breathe,  cry  and  nurse,  and  may 
live  if  properly  cared  for. 


36  EIGHTH   MONTH   BABY. 

"At  eight  months,  \}!\q.  fetus  seems  to  grow  rather  in 
length  than  in  thickness;  it  is  only  sixteen  to  eighteen 
inches  long  and  yet  weighs  from  four  to  five  pounds. 
The  skin  is  very  red,  and  covered  with  down  and  a 
considerable  quantity  of  sebaceous  matter.  The 
lower  jaw,  which  at  first  was  very  short,  is  now  as 
long  as  the  upper  one. 

"Finally,  at  tcnn  the  fetus  is  about  nineteen  to 
twenty-three  inches  long,  and  weighs  from  six  to 
nine  pounds.  The  red  blood  circulates  in  the  capil- 
laries, and  the  skin  performs  the  functions  of  perspi- 
ration; the  nails  are  fully  developed." 

There  is  a  superstition  that  a  child  born  at  eight 
months  is  not  as  liable  to  live  as  if  born  at  seven 
months;  indeed,  many  suppose  that  an  eight  months' 
child  never  survives.  Facts  do  not  prove  this  idea 
correct. 

Personally  I  have  known  several  eight  months' 
babies  to  live  and  do  well,  and  I  believe  that  their 
chance  of  life  is  much  greater  than  if  born  at  seven 
months. 

Position  of  the  fetus. — The  fetus  usually  lies 
with  the  head  downward,  the  chin  resting  upon  the 
breast.  The  feet  are  bent  in  front  of  the  legs,  the 
latter  flexed  upon  the  thighs.  The  knees  are  sepa- 
rated from  each  other,  but  the  heels  lie  close  together 
on  the  back  of  the  thighs;  the  arms  are  crossed 
upon  the  breast,  so  placed  that  the  chin  can  rest 
upon  the  hands. 

In  this  way  it  forms  an  oval,  whose  longest  diam- 
eter is  about  eleven  inches.  This  is  the  usual  posi- 
tion, yet  it  often  varies  from  it. 


CHAPTER  IIL 


PREGNANCY— SIGNS  AND  SYMPTOMS. 

The  signs  of  pregnancy  are  physiological  and 
pathological;  physiological,  those  common  to  all 
women;  pathological,  those  which  are  the  result  of 
and  accompany  diseased  conditions. 

Of  the  physiological,  the  four  principal  ones  are 
cessation  of  menstrution,  increase  of  size,  quicken- 
ing, and  the  fetal  heart  beat. 

Cessation  of  menstruation  in  a  married  woman 
may  ordinarily  be  considered  a  sign  that  conception 
has  taken  place.  Yet  suppression  may  be  the  result 
of  cold,  of  inflammation,  of  some  chronic  uterine 
diseases,  more  especially  dropsy  or  tumors,  also  of 
any  slow,  wasting  disease  like  scrofula,  consumption 
and  diarrhea. 

Occasionally,  too,  women  menstruate  during  the 
entire  time  of  gestation.  This,  without  doubt,  is  an 
abnormal  condition,  and  should  be  remedied,  as  dis- 
astrous consequences  may  result.  Also,  women 
have  been  known  to  bear  children  who  have  never 
menstruated. 

Pregnancy  seldom  takes  place  where  menstruation 
has  never  occurred,  yet  it  frequently  happens  that 
women  never  menstruate  from  one  pregnancy  to 
another.  In  these  cases  this  symptom  is  ruled  out 
for  diagnostic  purposes. 

(37) 


38  SIGNS  OF  PREGNANCY. 

Increase  of  size  begins  to  be  experienced  at  about 
the  third  month,  when  the  uterus  enlarges  and  rises 
above  the  brim  of  the  pelvis.  Any  enlargement  pre- 
vious to  this  time  must  be  due  to  bloating,  flatulence 
or  excess  of  fat,  to  which  some  are  inclined  in  gesta- 
tion. This  sign,  taken  alone,  can  not  be  relied  upon 
as  diagnostic.  It  may  be  occasioned  by  various 
causes,  and  often  accompanies  the  very  same  con- 
ditions attending  menstrual  suppression.  Instances 
occur  in  every  town  and  neighborhood  where  women 
have  made  elaborate  preparations  for  confinement 
only  to  be  disappointed  by  finding  they  were  suffer- 
ing from  some  serious  disease  causing  suppression. 

Quickening, — The  involuntary  movements  of  the 
child  occur  from  the  eighteenth  to  the  twentieth 
week.  Sometimes  these  motions  begin  as  early  as 
the  third  month,  and  then  are  a  feeble  fluttering 
only,  causing  disagreeable  sensations  of  faintness 
and  nausea.  The  "  motion"  of  the  child  is  regarded 
by  women,  especially  if  they  have  previously  borne 
children,  as  an  unfailing  sign.  But  cases  are  com- 
mon where  the  throbbing  in  a  tumor,  or  the  peri- 
staltic action  acccompanying  flatulence  has  been 
mistaken  for  fetal  movements. 

Unless  the  motion  is  very  marked,  quick,  elastic 
and  distinct,  it  alone  cannot  be  relied  upon  as  a 
diagnostic  symptom.  Taken  together  with  other 
signs  it  aids  both  physician  and  patient  to  a  positive 
conclusion. 

The  fetal  heart  beat. — The  sign  by  which 
physicians  can  with  certainty  determine  pregnancy 
is  by  noting  the  difference  between  the  beating  of 
the  fetal  and  maternal  hearts.     The  ordinary  pulse 


FETAL  HEART  BEAT.  39 

of  a  woman  is  from  70  to  80  per  minute,  while  that 
of  the  fetus  is  from  120  to  140. 

Auscultation  through  a  stethoscope  will  reveal  this 
fact,  and  thus  give  a  certain  diagnosis.  If  it  is  a 
throbbing  or  pulsating  in  a  tumor  it  would  be  syn- 
chronous  with  the  maternal  cardiac  action.  This 
symptom  is  not  of  much  value  till  after  the  fourth 
month.  By  that  time,  if  a  physician's  ear  is  edu- 
cated to  fine  discriminations,  he  will  never  make  a 
mistake  in  his  diagnosis. 

I  can  not  leave  this  subject  without  urging  upon 
women  the  necessity  of  educating  their  own  fingers 
to  judge  of  the  heart's  actions  by  the  radial  pulse. 
Get  your  physician  to  tell  you  and  study  in  your 
'iooks  the  meaning  of  a  quick,  a  throbbing,  a  slow,  a 
weak,  feeble  or  wiry  pulse.  It  is  one  of  the  surest 
guides  to  abnormal  conditions,  and  is  a  great  aid  to 
nurses  in  the  administration  of  remedial  measures, 
besides  often  determining  the  necessity  of  medical 
aid.  In  my  conversations  with  women,  often  in  an 
audience  of  one  hundred  ladies,  I  find  none  who 
know  even  the  frequency  of  the  normal  pulse. 

The  enlargement  of  the  breasts  at  about  the  third 
month,  the  secretion  of  a  fluid  in  them,  also  the 
darkening  of  the  areola  around  the  nipples  are  of 
frequent  or  usual  attendance  upon  gestation — but 
not  always;  consequently  of  themselves  can  not  be 
taken  as  diagnostic  symptoms. 

The  pathological  symptoms  are  more  numer- 
ous. Indeed,  almost  any  symptom  accompanying 
any  disease  may  attend  gestation.  This  is  a  sad 
reflection  upon  our  enlightened  civilization  Were 
it  not  for  this.  Tokology  would  have  no  special  mis- 


40  DISEASES  OF  PREGNANCY. 

sion.  The  facts  now  are  that  with  most  American 
women  the  280  days  of  pregnancy  are  days  of  disease 
and  suffering.  The  inconvenience,  the  discomfort 
and  the  pains  attendant  upon  this  condition,  together 
with  the  dread  of  the  final  throes  of  travail,  trans- 
form this  period,  which  should  be  one  of  hope,  of 
cheerfulness,  of  exalted  pleasure,  into  days  of  suffer- 
ing, wretchedness,  and  direful  forebodings.  It  is  one 
long  night-mare,  and  child-bearing  is  looked  upon 
as  a  curse  and  not  a  blessing.  Motherhood  is  robbed 
of  its  divinest  joys. 

Dr.  Cowan  says:  "The  period  of  pregnancy  should 
be  one  of  increased  health,  rather  than  increased 
disorders.  The  mother  who  has  hitherto  led  a  true 
life,  will,  during  this  period,  experience  an  exhilara- 
tion of  spirits,  a  redundancy  of  health  and  cheerful- 
ness of  mind  that  is  not  to  be  enjoyed  at  any  other 
time."    Alas!   how  few  have  this  experience. 

Ordinarily  pregnancy  is  classed  both  by  physicians 
and  women  among  the  diseases.  Physical  sufferings 
and  mental  agonies  are  the  common  accompaniments 
of  the  condition.  Murderous  intent  fills  the  mother's 
heart,  and  the  fearful  crime  of  feticide  is  daily  com- 
mitted. 

Do  physicians  offer  any  relief  for  this  state  of 
things.^  It  is  a  lamentable  fact  that  most  do  not. 
In  one  of  my  conversational  lectures  a  lady  testified 
that  for  seven  months  before  her  child  was  born  she 
never  knew  one  hour's  relief  from  nausea — that  she 
was  not  conscious  of  retaining  any  nourishment 
upon  her  stomach,  and  that  no  day  elapsed  without 
vomiting  blood.  No  words  can  describe  her  suffer- 
ings through  all  those  dreadful  weeks,  even  up  to 


NO  HELP  FROM  DOCTORS.  4I 

the  hour  of  delivery.  She  consulted  three  different 
physicians,  and  each  one  told  her  nothing  could  be 
done  except  to  wait  for  "nature's  relief."  She  went 
home  in  despair  and  suffered  to  the  end.  When  she 
heard  the  theories  I  teach,  with  suppressed  emotion 
she  exclaimed:  "Thank  God  for  the  hope  you  give. 
To  my  dying  day  I  shall  use  my  feeble  voice  to  pro- 
mulgate these  truths,  that  others  may  not  grope  in 
the  valley  as  I  have  done." 

Yes,  women  can  be  saved  much  suffering  even 
during  pregnancy.  If  they  study  this  work  intelli- 
gently, practicing  the  precepts  therein  given,  they  will 
ever  be  thankful  for  the  light  and  hope  obtained. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


DISEASES    OF    PREGNANCY— INDIGESTION — 
NAUSEA,   ETC. 

The  most  common  ailments  of  pregnancy  are  dys- 
pepsia, nausea,  vomiting,  constipation,  headache, 
heartburn,  flatulence,  salivation,  diarrhoea,  piles, 
greedy  appetite,  loss  of  appetite,  longings,  neuralgia, 
toothache,  cramps,  swellings  of  the  extremities,  pain 
in  the  side,  insomnia,  drowsiness,  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  leucorrhoea,  pruritus,  etc. 

Indigestion  or  dyspepsia  is  the  most  frequent 
complaint  afflicting  the  human  family.  It  is  at  the 
foundation  of  almost  every  other  disease,  many  of 
the  above  symptoms  of  pregnancy  being  attendant 
upon  and  caused  by  it.  Men  and  women  in  every 
station  of  life  are  more  or  less  subject  to  it;  few  are 
entirely  exempt.  "A  good  digestion  turneth  all  to 
health."  Indigestion  is  usually  attributed  entirely  to 
a  failure  of  the  stomach  to  perform  its  functions.  The 
term  is  also  applied  to  a  defect  in  any  of  the  assimi- 
lative operations  throughout  the  digestive  tract. 
The  limits  of  this  work  will  not  permit  a  dissertation 
upon  these  processes  and  their  abnormal  conditions. 

In  passing,  however,  let  me  say  while  there  are 
many  causes  of  dyspepsia,  there  is  no  one  more 
potent  than  the  common  attempt  to  nourish  the 
body  from  food  which  cannot  be  digested  in  the 

(42} 


DYSPEPSIA.  43 

stomach.  The  principal  articles  upon  which  the  acid 
gastric  juice  has  no  effect  are  starch  and  fats.  They 
can  be  rendered  soluble  in  alkaline  fluids  only,  which 
are  the  saliva,  pancreatic  juice  and  the  bile.  By  par- 
taking of  the  starch  and  fats  to  excess,  the  stomach 
is  overtaxed  in  expelling  them,  besides  which  the 
body  fails  to  get  elements  of  nutrition  in  proper 
proportions  from  them. 

The  natural  food  of  the  infant  contains  no  starch, 
the  carbonates  of  milk  being  sugar  and  butter.  Usu- 
ally the  first  solid  food  given  to  a  child  contains  little 
else  but  starch,  such  as  bread  from  white  flour,  and 
potatoes,  rendered  more  indigestible  by  the  addition 
of  butter  and  rich  gravies.  These  are  lacking  in 
nitrogenous  and  saline  products,  consequently  the 
muscles,  bones  and  nerves  may  not  be  nourished. 

A  substitution  of  the  products  of  the  entire  wheat, 
barley,  oats  and  other  grains  would  obviate  this  diffi- 
culty, and  lessen  the  frightful  mortality  of  children. 
Dr.  Bellows  says:  "So  perfectly  ignorant  are  people 
generally  of  the  laws  of  nature  that  they  give  their 
pigs  the  food  which  their  children  need  to  develop 
muscle  and  brain,  and  give  their  children  what  their 
pigs  need  to  develop  fat.  For  example,  the  farmer 
separates  from  milk  the  muscle-making  and  brain- 
feeding  nitrates  and  phosphates,  and  gives  them  to 
his  pigs  in  the  form  of  buttermilk,  while  the  fatten- 
ing carbonates  he  gives  to  his  children  in  butter. 
He  sifts  out  the  bran  and  outer  crust  from  the  wheat, 
which  contains  the  nitrates  and  phosphates,  and  gives 
them  also  to  his  pigs  and  cattle,  while  the  fine  flour 
containing  little  else  than  heating  carbonates,  he 
gives  to  his  children.     Cheese,  which  contains  the 


44  MORNING  SICKNESS. 

concentrated  nutriment  of  milk,  is  seldom  seen  on 
our  tables,  while  butter,  which  contains  not  a  particle 
of  food  for  brain  or  muscle,  is  on  every  table  at  all 
times  of  day." 

Cheese,  when  digested,  furnishes  more  muscle- 
feeding  properties  than  any  other  food,  and  hence  is 
desirable  for  working  men,  and  all  people  engaged 
in  out-door  pursuits,  but  should  be  taken  as  food, 
not  as  a  relish  only. 

The  elements  digested  in  the  stomach  are  fibrine 
(its  type  found  in  lean  meat),  albumen,  casein,  gluten 
of  the  grains,  and  the  nitrogenous  principles  of  fruits 
and  vegetables. 

These  are  the  elements  that  build  up  the  muscles, 
while  the  carbonaceous  elements,  such  as  sugar, 
starch  and  fats,  by  combination  with  oxygen,  furnish 
animal  heat.  Too  much  of  the  latter  tend  to  pro- 
duce inflammatory  conditions,  and  should  be  par- 
taken of  moderately  by  all  people  who  do  not  lead 
an  active  out-door  life. 

The  pregnant  woman,  however,  is  especially  liable 
to  suffer  from  the  multiform  miseries  of  dyspepsia. 
Her  nervous  organization  is  peculiarly  sensitive  at 
this  time.  Many  symptoms  are  also  caused  by  reflex 
action  from  the  gravid  uterus  upon  the  sympathetic 
ganglia  which  control  the  alimentary  processes. 

Morning  sickness. — Nausea,  with  or  without 
vomiting,  occurs  so  frequently  in  pregnancy  that 
most  women  think  it  a  natural  accompaniment  of 
their  condition,  relying  upon  it  as  a  diagnostic  symp- 
tom. It  may  begin  the  day  following  conception,  but 
usually  appears  from  the  sixth  to  the  eighth  week. 
It  is  unlike  nausea  which  accompanies  biliousness, 


BILIOUSNESS.  45 

fevers,  the  effect  of  drugs,  or  even  sea-sickness.  It 
is  a  nausea  that  one  feels  from  the  crown  of  the  head 
to  the  soles  of  the  feet;  one  is  "sick  to  the  stomach" 
all  over. 

Asking  the  cause  of  this,  ninety-nine  out  of  a  hun- 
dred aver  they  believe  it  to  be  natural,  and  more  than 
all,  not  to  be  avoided.  Besides,  the  grandmother  of 
the  neighborhood  has  told  them  that  on  account  of 
this,  the  child  will  be  more  healthy,  and  the  delivery 
easier.     Facts  do  not  bear  her  out  in  either  assertion. 

The  real  causes  are  to  be  sought  in  the  violation  of 
physical  laws,  in  dress,  diet,  exercise,  etc.  The  con- 
ditions are,  first,  an  irritation  in  the  womb  caused  by 
some  existing  derangement,  which  by  sympathetic 
or  reflex  action  is  communicated  to  the  stomach,  and 
second,  that  state  commonly  called  biliousness. 

The  whole  body  is  supplied  with  nerves  distribu- 
ted from  the  brain  and  spinal  column.  Besides  these» 
ganglia  of  sympathetic  nerves  communicate  with  all 
nerves  and  with  each  other,  being  so  interlaced  that 
almost  every  part  of  the  body  is  in  communication 
with  every  other  part.  It  is  really  a  complete  system 
of  telegraphy.  Both  the  uterus  and  stomach  are 
remarkable  in  their  supply  of  nerves,  and  any  dis- 
turbance in  the  former  is  instantly  conveyed  to 
the  latter. 

It  is  not  unusual  that  an  inflammation  or  displace- 
ment of  the  womb  gives  no  local  symptoms — but  by 
reflex  action  there  are  headaches,  indigestion,  neu- 
ralgia, and  various  ailments.  So,  of  the  gravid 
uterus,  if  from  any  existing  local  disease  or  any 
cause  in  the  system,  it  does  not  take  kindly  to  its 
new  function,  and  derangement  in  the  organ  ensues, 


46  VARIOUS  OPINIONS. 

instead  of  causing  local  pain  and  distress  it  will  be 
communicated  to  other  organs,  most  frequently  to 
the  stomach,  producing  nausea,  vomiting,  as  well  as 
often  acute  suffering. 

What  is  biliousncssf  Ladies,  you  know  the  condi- 
tion to  which  you  apply  this  term.  Frequent  head- 
aches, aversion  to  food,  aching  of  the  bones,  languid, 
sleepy  and  tired  feeling.  You  get  up  in  the  morning 
weary,  cross,  irritable,  out  of  sorts  with  everybody, 
and  everybody  retaliates  by  being  out  of  sorts  with 
you.  What  has  happened  in  the  human  organism.? 
What  do  you  understand  by  biliousness?  Listen  to 
the  answers.  One  says,  *'  It  is  an  overflow  of  bile," 
others,  "Too  much  bile,"  "The  liver  don't  act,"  "The 
bile  has  reverted  back  to  the  blood,"  "The  bile  is 
secreted  by  the  stomach,"  "Too  high  living,"  etc. 

Dr.  Dio  Lewis  says:  "Biliousness  is  piggishness." 
My  habit  has  been  to  define  it  simply  as  overfeeding. 
At  least,  the  elements  of  the  bile  are  in  the  blood 
in  excess  of  the  power  of  the  liver  to  eliminate  them. 
This  may  be  caused  by  either  inaction  of  the  organ 
itself,  or  superabundance  of  the  materials  from  which 
the  bile  is  made.  Being  thus  retained  the  system  is 
burdened,  or  to  use  a  homely  but  expressive  phrase, 
is  clogged.  To  produce  this,  food  may  be  too  great 
in  quantity,  or  too  rich  in  quality.  Especially  is  it 
caused  by  the  excessive  use  of  fats  and  sweets. 
How  does  this  biliousness  produce  nausea  in  the 
pregnant  woman,  and  why  does  it  show  itself  in  this 
way,  when  she  was  comparatively  well  previous  to 
this  condition.-* 

In  the  new  process  of  gestation  the  whole  system 
is  roused  to  action,  and  nature  makes    .n  vffort  to 


MANY  CAUSES  OF  NAUSEA.  4/ 

i-elieve  the  organs  of  all  foreign  or  bilious  matter. 
Her  first  means  to  produce  this  result  is  by  nausea 
and  vomiting.  Many  women  have  an  attack  of 
bilious  fever,  more  or  less  severe,  in  the  first  months 
of  pregnancy. 

Three  causes  may  induce  this  state  of  the  system: 
food  which  is  too  nutritive  or  too  abundant;  lack  of 
exercise  conducive  to  normal  action  in  the  assimila- 
tive organs;  and  clothing  that  in  any  way  restricts 
this  action.  At  any  time,  the  bands  and  corsets  so 
universally  comprising  a  part  of  woman's  dress  are 
injurious,  because  they  restrict  the  action  of  the  liver 
and  other  organs,  but  they  are  doubly  deleterious 
when  there  is  a  natural  increase  in  size.  The  direct 
pressure  of  the  viscera  upon  the  uterus  will  also 
produce  irritation  in  that  organ. 

I  was  spending  a  few  days  with  an  old  friend  who 
was  four  months  advanced  in  pregnancy.  She  had 
had  no  unpleasant  symptoms.  One  day  as  we  were 
on  the  street  walking,  she  was  suddenly  seized  with 
vomiting.  Trying  to  investigate  the  cause,  I  asked 
her  if  she  wore  the  dress  she  was  accustomed  to. 
"No,"  she  said;  "I  have  not  had  this  on  for  months, 
and  it  is  too  tight."  She  loosened  it  under  her 
cloak,  when  the  symptom  disappeared. 

In  the  last  months  of  pregnancy,  vomiting  is  often 
caused  by  pressure  of  the  enlarged  uterus  upon  the 
stomach.  This  cannot  occur  where  the  natural  figure 
has  always  been  unquestionably  preserved. 

One  potent  cause  of  morning  sickness  is  the  habit 
of  entering  upon  the  sexual  relation  frequently  dur- 
ing gestation.  By  this  means  a  hyperaemia  in  the 
reproductive  organs  as  well  as  exhaustion  of  the 


48  ENEMAS — THEIR   USES. 

nerve  supply  is  produced.  By  reflex  action  nausea 
is  the  result.  Incalculable  benefits  would  be  derived 
if  married  people  imitated  the  lessons  of  lower  ani- 
mals in  this  matter — thereby  conserving  all  forces 
for  the  benfit  of  offspring. 

Treatment  for  morning  sickness. — If  inflam- 
mation or  ulceration  of  the  uterus  is  chronic,  one  can 
not  expect  to  overcome  the  nausea  entirely  in  a  short 
time  (Chap.  XXI.) 

In  the  case  of  biliousness,  a  plain,  light  diet 
with  plenty  of  acid  fruits,  avoiding  fats  and  sweets^ 
will  ameliorate  if  not  remove  it.  Don't  force  the 
appetite.  Let  hunger  demand  food.  In  the  morn- 
ing the  sensitiveness  of  the  stomach  may  be  relieved 
by  taking  before  rising  a  cup  of  hot  water,  hot  milk, 
hot  lemonade,  rice  or  barley  water,  selecting  accord- 
ing to  preference.  For  this  purpose  many  find  coffee 
made  from  browned  wheat  or  corn  the  best  drink. 
Depend  for  a  time  upon  liquid  food  that  can  be 
taken  up  by  absorbents. 

The  juice  of  lemons  and  other  acid  fruits  is  usu- 
ally grateful,  and  assists  in  assimilating  any  excess  in 
nutriment.  These  may  be  diluted  according  to  taste. 
With  many,  an  q.^%  lemonade  proves  relishing  and 
acceptable. 

In  biliousness,  with  or  without  nausea,  hot 
fomentations  in  the  region  of  the  stomach  and  liver, 
for  an  hour  once  or  twice  a  day,  followed  by  tepid 
bathing  and  hand  friction  will  be  found  invaluable. 

Warm  or  hot  enemas  are  exceedingly  beneficial. 
In  order  to  be  effectual,  follow  minutely  these  direc- 
tions. Place  in  a  Fountain  Syringe  two  or  three 
quarts  of  soft  water  as  warm  as  can  be  taken.     A 


DO  NOT  FORCE  THE  APPETITE.  49 

tablespoon  of  salt  will  make  it  more  effective.  Sus- 
pend the  reservoir  as  high  as  the  hose  will  allow. 
Lie  upon  the  right  side  with  knees  flexed.  Intro- 
duce the  long  rectal  tube,  or  what  is  better  for  many, 
the  vaginal  tube  far  enough  in  the  rectum  to  pass  the 
internal  sphincter  muscle.  It  ought  to  enter  three 
or  four  inches.  Let  the  water  pass  into  the  bowels 
slowly,  having  them  manipulated  upward  by  an 
attendant,  especially  making  passes  up  the  right  side. 

This  causes  the  water  to  pass  through  the  ileo- 
caecal  valve  from  the  large  to  the  small  intestines. 
Once  in  the  latter,  it  is  taken  up  by  the  capillaries  of 
the  portal  vein,  and  more  or  less  of  it  conveyed  to 
the  liver.  This  stimulates  a  secretion  of  bile  and  it 
is  not  unusual  for  five  or  six  free  evacuations  to 
follow.  It  is  quite  as  effectual  as  an  active  purgative 
without  any  poisonous  results  of  the  drug.  This 
enema  should  be  retained  from  twenty  minutes  to 
half  an  hour.  It  is  also  much  more  efficacious  when 
preceded  by  the  use  of  a  hot  fomentation  over  the 
liver.  This  injection  is  an  exceedingly  valuable 
remedial  agent  both  in  acute  and  chronic  difficulties. 
By  its  use  in  sick  hadache,  bilious  colic,  congestions 
in  the  stomach  or  abdominal  viscera,  the  physician's 
visit  and  fee  will  often  be  saved. 

The  exercises  recommended  in  Chap.  V,  for  con- 
stipation, are  invaluable  for  biliousness. 

Before  closing  this  chapter,  let  me  repeat  and  em- 
phasize, ''Do  not  force  the  appetite."  Food  which 
neither  relishes  nor  digests  will  do  more  harm  than 
good.  Tradition  and  prejudice  have  all  conspired  to 
so  engrave  in  your  being  that  you  must  not  only  eat, 
but  stuff,  because  you  are  eating  for  two,  that  both 


50  EXTRA  NUTRIMENT. 

you  and  your  friends  think  food  vmsi  be  taken  at  all 
hazards.  So,  what  is  your  custom?  You  rise  in  the 
morning  sick  and  disgusted.  The  very  smell  of  food 
is  intolerable.  Still  you  sit  at  the  table  instead  of 
getting  away  from  it,  and  eat  probably  beefsteak  and 
hot  bread,  washed  down  by  a  cup  of  coffee.  Of 
course  you  must  take  what  is  the  most  nourishing! 
These  are  scarcely  swallowed  until  you  have  proofs 
that  so  much  provision  is  wasted. 

By  nine  o'clock  you  make  another  attempt.  You 
go  to  the  pantry,  find  some  cold  chicken,  a  piece  of 
lemon  pie,  and  a  pickle.  But  no,  the  stomach  refuses 
these.  At  eleven  o'clock  a  confidential  friend  calls. 
She  commiserates  you,  and  knows  that  both  you  and 
the  fetus  will  starve.  She  goes  to  her  own  larder, 
brings  you  a  piece  of  pound  cake,  some  custard  and 
jelly;  possibly  a  piece  of  mince  pie.  Do  these  share 
the  same  fate.?  Perhaps  not.  Her  cheery  laugh  and 
neighborly  sympathy,  and  the  more  propitious  time 
of  day,  make  it  possible  for  this  to  be  retained.  But 
pause,  my  friend.  Has  the  blood  received  the  best 
nutriment  for  building  a  healthy  organization  for 
yourself  or  child.-* 

Very  little,  if  any  extra  food  is  essential  to  nourish 
the  fetus,  especially  the  first  few  weeks  of  pregnancy. 
The  total  average  increase  of  weight  is  less  than  one- 
half  an  ounce  a  day,  and  one-fourth  of  this  would  be 
an  approximate  estimate  for  the  first  three  months. 
It  can  readily  be  seen  that  simply  the  suppression  of 
the  menses  would  give  nearly,  if  not  quite,  all  the 
extra  nutriment  for  the  first  few  weeks,  at  least.  Ap- 
propriate food,  and  the  proper  conditions  for  assimila- 
tion are  far  more  important  than  increase  in  quantity 


CHAPTER  V. 


Diseases  of  Pregnancy. — Constipation. 

Constipation  of  the  bowels  is  not  only  a  fre- 
quent attendant  upon  pregnancy,  but  is  a  common 
ailment  of  both  men  and  women.  From  year  to  year 
this  symptom  is  on  the  increase,  until  fully  nine- 
tenths  of  the  American  women  and  one-half  of  the 
men  are  afflicted  with  it. 

Every  person  should  have  a  free,  soluble,  satisfac- 
tory evacuation  of  the  bowels  daily.  In  pregnancy 
especially,  not  for  one  day  should  constipation  be 
allowed. 

Constipation  is  usually  the  first  notice  of  bodily 
derangement,  and  may  be  the  precursor  of  a  chronic 
state  of  ill  health.  The  approach,  too,  of  this  affec- 
tion may  be  insidious,  existing  when  the  subject  is 
not  aware  of  it.  The  evacuations  may  be  regular, 
yet  not  sufficiently  free  and  copious  to  be  compati- 
ble with  health. 

The  slightest  torpidity  of  the  bowels  results  in 
retention  of  residual  matter,  which  becomes  reab- 
sorbed into  the  system,  acting  as  a  foreign  and  poi- 
sonous substance.  Other  organs  of  elimination  must, 
on  this  account,  be  overtaxed,  in  the  vain  attempt  to 
overcome  the  obstruction. 

The  urine  becomes  thick,  turbid  and  highly  col- 
ored, if  not  offensive.  The  skin  emits  an  offensive 
4  (51) 


52  RESULTS  OF  CONSTIPATION. 

odor  and  sooner  or  later  becomes  dry  and  scaly.  The 
surface,  from  obstruction  of  the  pores  and  venous 
capillaries,  is  alternately  hot  and  cold,  making  the 
person  sensitive  to  drafts  and  changes  in  temperature. 
The  lungs  must  do  double  duty  and  the  breath  is 
loaded  with  offensive  exhalations.  Here  is  the  be- 
ginning of  most  cases  of  catarrh,  bronchitis  and 
phthisis.  Indeed,  there  is  no  disease  of  the  human 
organism  which  may  not  be  traced  to  constipation. 

What  are  the  principal  causes  of  constipation. -* 

Mainly  sedentary  habits,  errors  in  diet,  overtaxed 
brains,  the  use  of  cathartics,  and  in  women  errors 
in  dress. 

Many  persons,  even  some  authors  upon  the  subject, 
consider  that  constipation  is  the  result  of  torpidity  of 
the  liver  only,  causing  a  lack  of  bile  furnished  for 
diluent  purposes.  While  this  is  frequently  the  case, 
still  there  may  be  a  diminution  in  the  pancreatic 
juice  as  well  as  in  the  secretions  peculiar  to  the  intes- 
tines, causing  a  lack  of  moisture  in  the  excrement. 

There  may,  too,  be  lack  of  bulk  in  the  residual  mat- 
ter to  be  acted  upon  by  the  fluids  and  impelled  by 
the  muscular  coats  of  the  intestines;  which,  again  in 
their  turn  may  want  power  to  perform  their  peculiar 
function.  In  a  sedentary  life  the  weakness  of  these 
muscles  is  enhanced  and  respiratory  power  is  lacking. 
All  processes  of  digestion  depend  upon  deep  breath- 
ing, which  stimulates  action  in  the  abdominal  viscera. 
Any  exercise  that  tones  or  develops  the  involuntary 
muscles  of  breathing  is  an  incalculable  adjuvant  to  all 
the  functions  of  the  body.  The  person  of  sedentary 
habits  not  only  loses  the  advantage  of  exercise,  but  is 
usually  engaged  in  some  occupation  that  gives  great 


CAUSES  OF  CONSTIPATION.  53 

strain  upon  the  nervous  organization.  This  takes 
away  the  nerve  stimulant  so  essential  to  assimilative 
processes.  Dr.  James  H.  Jackson,  in  his  admirable 
Treatise  upon  constipation,  in  speaking  of  the  effects 
di  occupation,  says: 

"It  is  not  the  man  or  woman  who  lives  regularly, 
eats  temperately,  and  exercises  the  brain  moderately, 
or  even  severely,  if  the  habits  are  correct,  and  suffi- 
cient out-door  air  and  exercise  are  had  to  oxygenize 
the  blood  and  keep  up  muscular  tone;  it  is  not  the 
muscle-worker,  the  agriculturist,  the  mechanic,  the 
machinist;  it  is  not  the  maid  of  all  work,  as  a  general 
thing.  It  is  the  brain-worker — the  lawyer,  merchant, 
doctor,  banker,  minister,  teacher;  it  is  the  man  who 
sits  in  his  office  or  works  in  his  store  or  shop  in  poor 
air  and  light,  having  little  or  no  muscular  exercise, 
who  constantly  thinks,  is  anxious,  worried,  careworn, 
a  victim  of  the  intense  competition  and  excitement 
which  modern  business  life  imposes;  it  is  the  wife  and 
mother  who  lives  in  the  house  all  day,  who  is  contin- 
ually worried  by  household  cares  and  anxieties,  who 
is  socially  taxed  and  excited;  it  is  she  who  idles  away 
her  time,  passing  it  in  in-door  indolence,  who  dresses 
unphysiologically,  eats  badly,  feeds  upon  sensational 
literature,  and  lives  under  the  reign  of  her  emotional 
and  passional  nature;  it  is  the  poor  factory  girl  or 
seamstress,  plodding  away  through  weary  days,  in 
stifling  air  and  on  starvation  diet,  as  of  baker's  bread 
and  tea,  debarred  from  all  out-door  recreation;  or  the 
school  teacher  who  barely  earns  her  living,  though 
she  works  brain  and  nerves,  almost  daily,  to  the  point 
of  exhaustion.  In  these  classes,  subject  to  unphysio- 
logical  habits  of  work,  want  of  recreation,  unfavorable 


54  IMPROPER   FOOD. 

surroundings,  irregularity  in  eating,  sleeping,  etc. — 
more  from  lack  of  knowledge  than  from  necessity — 
are  found  the  victims." 

Improper  food,  prominent  in  the  causes  of  con- 
stipation, poisons  rather  than  nourishes  the  body, 
inducing  congestion  of  the  alimentary  canal  by  the 
irritation  set  up. 

Highly  seasoned  food  and  stimulating  drinks  excite 
extra  secretions  when  first  taken,  but  the  reaction 
or  secondary  effect  of  the  overstrain  is  torpor,  and 
consequently  absence  of  secretion.  Notably,  too,  we 
have  the  same  effect  from  aperient  drugs.  Even  the 
too  free  and  constant  use  of  salt  causes  a  dryness  of 
the  intestinal  canal,  probably  from  the  fact  of  its 
stimulating  power.  Nature  daily  attests  this  state- 
ment by  the  demand  for  drink  after  partaking  of 
salted  meats,  fish,  etc. 

Food  lacking  in  elements  of  nerve  nutrition  proves 
constipating;  foods  that  are  too  concentrated  are 
usually  those  that  are  highly  carbonaceous,  notably 
fats  and  sweets,  as  well  as  those  abounding  in  starch. 
In  these  the  insufficient  residue  fails  to  furnish  the 
needed  volume  to  fecal  matter.  The  absence  of 
water,  too,  furnished  by  vegetables  and  fruits,  causes 
a  dryness  of  the  contents  of  the  intestinal  canal, 
which  of  itself  is  an  impediment  to  their  onward 
passage  through  the  bowels. 

Of  these  carbonaceous  foods,  pastry,  cakes,  hot 
bread  and  white  flour  bread  stand  prominent.  As 
elsewhere  stated,  hot  breads,  starch,  and  all  of  the 
fats  do  not  digest  in  the  acid  fluid  of  the  stomach. 
Passing  into  the  duodenum  the  alkaline  bile  and 
pancreatic  juice  emulsify  and  liquify  them.     If  the 


WHITE  FLOUR  AND  HOT  BREAD.  55 

quantity  of  these  substances  taken  be  too  great  there 
will  be  much  the  same  result  as  the  soap-maker  gets 
when  he  puts  in  his  kettle  too  much  fat  for  his  lye. 
The  substances  are  not  dissolved,  and  can  not  be 
taken  up  by  the  villi  of  the  intestines  for  nutrition, 
and  a  concentrated  mass  lacking  residuum  passes 
into  the  excrement. 

The  prevalent,  if  not  foolish  fashion  of  using  only 
bolted  or  white  flour  for  bread,  a  flour  abounding  in 
starch  and  lacking  in  gluten,  is  largely  the  cause  of 
indigestion  and  constipation.  The  gluten  lies  next 
the  bran  and  contains  the  nitrates  and  phosphates 
which  digest  in  the  stomach  and  feed  muscles,  brain 
and  nerves,  while  the  bran  itself  furnishes  residuum 
for  fecal  matter. 

Another  factor  especially  answerable  for  the  recent 
increase  of  constipation,  is  the  prevalent  use  of  bak- 
ing powder.  This  makes  a  beautiful,  light,  friable 
and  delicious  bread,  requiring  but  little  time  or  care 
in  its  preparation,  If  adulterated  with  alum,  astrin- 
gent effects  follow.  Even  in  a  pure  powder,  we  have 
an  acid  and  an  alkali,  which,  after  chemical  union  has 
taken  place,  leaves  a  residual  salt  that  has  a  depres- 
sing influence  upon  the  nervous  system.  A  sensitive 
person  not  accustomed  to  the  use  of  bread  from  yeast 
powder,  even  if  eaten  cold,  will  in  a  few  hours  feel 
depressing  influences,  upon  both  mind  and  body. 

Dr.  Beaumont,  who  had  the  privilege  of  watching 
the  process  of  digestion  in  the  stomach  of  Alexis  St. 
Martin,  tells  us  that  "hot  bread  does  not  dissolve  in 
the  fluids  of  the  stomach."  This  is  owing  to  the 
presence  of  carbonic  acid  gas  in  the  bread,  and  to  the 
fact  that  it  is  not  friable,  consequently  becoming  an 


56  DRESS  AND  CONSTIPATION. 

insoluble,  doughy  mass  that  can  not  be  permeated 
by  the  gastric  fluid.  Of  course  it  passes  in  this  state 
into  the  intestines,  and  much  of  it  must  become  waste 
material.  It  is  estimated  that  8,000,000  lbs.  of  bak- 
ing powder  is  used  annually  in  the  United  States 
alone.  What  wonder  is  it  that  dyspepsia  and  con- 
stipation are  on  the  increase! 

Fat  meats,  dried  and  salted  meats,  are  constipating. 
Fresh  poultry  has  a  like  effect.  There  are  few  per- 
sons who  do  not  remember  the  old  time  practice  of 
arresting  the  action  of  a  cathartic  drug  by  the  use  of 
a  chicken  broth. 

Eggs  and  milk  are  constipating  to  many.  The  lat- 
ter is  especially  so  if  boiled  or  if  the  two  articles  are 
combined  in  custards,  puddings,  etc.  Among  the 
vegetables,  beans  (dried)  are  constipating.  This, 
however,  is  largely  the  result  of  the  mode  of  prepa- 
ration. They  may  not  be  sufficiently  cooked,  and 
the  fat  incorporated  with  them  renders  them  indi- 
gestible. Cheese  is  constipating  to  many,  also  choc- 
olate and  cocoa.  Of  the  fruits,  blackberries  and 
raspberries  are  constipating,  especially  if  the  seeds 
are  taken.  More  than  any  other  articles  of  diet, 
these  induce  and  agravate  hemorrhoids. 

Any  of  the  above  mentioned  foods  may  not  prove 
constipating  when  eaten  with  a  mixed  diet. 

The  errors  in  dress  conducive  to  torpid  bowels, 
are  lack  of  covering  to  the  extremities,  and  excess  of 
clothing  in  the  abdominal  region,  thus  favoring  con- 
gestion of  the  vital  organs.  Garments  that  are  tight 
and  improperly  supported  restrict  respiration,  in- 
fringe upon  all  the  digestive  organs,  and  impede  the 
circulation. 


CATHARTIC  DRUGS.  57 

When  women  are  freed  from  the  trammels  of  dress, 
they  will  have  taken  a  long  stride  toward  freedom 
from  invalidism.  Is  it  Utopian  to  hope  that  it  will 
also  aid  in  giving  them  both  political  and  social 
freedom? 

A  very  common  means  taken  to  overcome  (Consti- 
pation only  increases  it  and  renders  it  less  amenable 
to  common  sense  treatment,  and  that  is  the  prevalent 
use  of  cathartic  drugs.  "They  all  depend  for  effect 
upon  a  certain  quality  they  possess  of  exciting  secre- 
tion and  peristaltic  activity.  Of  course  they  do  this 
through  the  nervous  system,  few  if  any  of  them  being 
mechanical  in  their  action,  but  accomplishing  their 
results  by  stimulating  the  nervous  system  to  extra 
effort.  In  doing  this,  they  necessarily  exhaust  the 
source  of  supply;  for  thf.  tendency  of  all  stimulation 
is  to  induce  exhaustior  as  the  consequence  of  un- 
natural exhibitions  of  nervous  force.  Persons  using 
these  so-called  remedies — laxatives,  cathartics,  and 
purgatives — thus  securing  temporarily  the  movement 
of  the  bowels,  find  that  after  their  use  it  is  more 
difficult  to  secure  natural  passages,  and  that  the  dose 
must  be  increased  to  produce  any  effect.  Meantime 
the  continued  use  of  these  drugs  not  only  exhausts 
nervous  force,  but  often  creates  inflammation  of 
mucous  surfaces,  disturbing  digestion,  and  poisoning 
the  biood."  This  is  more  especially  true  of  the 
saline  cathartics. 

Such  cases  are  much  more  rationally,  comfortably 
and  effectively  treated  by  the  use  of  enemas. 
(Chap.  IV). 

Pregnancy  aggravates  or  causes  constipation,  by 
reflex  nervous  action  from  an  irritable  uterus  or 


58  TREATMENT  OF  CONSTIPATION. 

mechanically  by  pressure  of  fetus  upon  the  colon  or 

rectum. 

Other  causes  of  this  difficulty  will  be  thought  of — 
such  as  excessive  exercise,  violent  emotions,  as  anger, 
grief,  etc.,  wounds  in  any  part  of  the  body,  irregu- 
larity in  meals,  late  suppers,  eating  between  meals, 
etc.,  etc.  Practically  it  is  not  essential  to  enter  into 
details  in  regard  to  them.  No  matter  what  the 
cause,  all  will  experience  benefit  in  adhering  to  the 
following  hints  upon  the 

Treatment  of  constipation. — First  ascertain 
the  cause  or  causes,  and  remove  them.  One  might 
as  well  expect  to  cure  a  burn,  while  pouring  scalding 
water  upon  it,  as  to  cure  torpid  bowels  if  the  cause 
remains.     Every  person  should  establish  the  habit  of 

Regularity  in  securing  evacuations. — The 
nervous  system  acts  under  the  law  of  periodicity  to 
a  large  degree  in  controlling  the  functional  operations 
of  the  body.  This  tendency  should  not  only  be  gen^ 
erally  heeded,  but  utilized  in  regulating  the  bowels. 
A  little  intelligent  care  will  generally  secure  a  call 
for  defecation  at  a  specified  time,  which  may  be 
established  to  suit  convenience,  and  which  once 
established,  should  not  be  allowed  to  pass,  except  for 
the  most  urgent  reasons. 

The  number  of  evacuations  per  day  will  vary  with 
the  quality  and  amount  of  food  consumed,  and  the 
vocation  and  temperament  of  the  person.  If  two 
evacuations  each  day  is  the  rule,  then  one  should  be 
after  breakfast  and  the  second  shortly  before  the 
regular  retiring  hour  for  the  night.  If  only  one 
evacuation  each  day  is  the  habit  of  the  person,  then 
if  convenient,  let  it  be  the  hour  before  retiring,  unless 


REGULAR  HABITS.  59 

a  satisfactory  habit  is  already  fixed  at  some  other 
hour.  There  are  few  things  that  promote  good, 
sound,  refreshing  sleep,  like  a  thorough  emptying  of 
the  bowels  before  going  to  bed. 

If  one  would  prevent  constipation  and  its  evils,  this 
practice  should  be  heeded;  and  if  one  would  aire 
constipation,  it  should  be  enforced  in  connection  with 
any  other  necessary  measures,  as  follows:  "Go  to  the 
closet  at  the  appointed  hour,  sit  for  a  few  minutes, 
gently  straining  to  effect  a  passage.  The  practice 
of  forcing  an  evacuation  by  severe  muscular  effort  is 
all  wrong,  and  should  never  be  indulged.  Far  better 
take  an  enema  of  water  if  necessary.  The  practice 
of  sitting  long  at  stool  is  also  to  be  condemned.  The 
bowels  maybe  made  lazy  in  this  way,  and  it  leads  to 
Avaste  of  time,  and  to  hemorrhoids.  If  not  success- 
ful, go  till  next  day  at  the  stated  hour  if  you  com- 
fortably can;  then  try  again,  and  if  you  do  not 
succeed,  take  an  enema  of  water  sufficient  to  produce 
the  desired  movement.  The  next  day  repeat  this 
effort  at  the  given  time,  and  so  continue." 

I  am  more  and  more  convinced  that  all  straining 
should  be  avoided.  When  the  bowels  do  not  move 
readily,  wait  a  few  moments  passively  for  nature  s 
call,  avoiding  all  anxiety  in  the  matter.  Should  this 
method  fail,  then,  by  will  power,  press  the  sphincter 
muscles  back  by  short,  quick,  and  repeated  move- 
ments. This  will  lubricate  the  rectum,  force  back 
the  feces,  and  shortly  after  result  in  a  f^tisfactory 
discharge  of  the  bowels.  A  little  practice  will  bring 
these  muscles  under  complete  control,  and  by  this 
means  a  habit  of  constipation  may  be  cured.  This 
same  course  is  also  found  very  beneficial  for  piles. 


60  SIMPLE  MEASURES. 

Other  simple  measures  will  overcome  constipation, 
especially  if  of  recent  origin  or  of  mild  form.  Drink- 
ing one  or  two  glasses  of  cold  soft  water  before 
breakfast  is  often  sufficient.  Some  eat  ice  for  the 
same  purpose.  These  are  diluents,  besides  acting 
upon  the  nerves  producing  contractile  effects  of  the 
muscular  coats  of  the  digestive  tract. 

With  others,  eating  a  raw  apple  or  orange  before 
breakfast  is  sufficient.  Drinking  a  glass  of  water, 
into  which  a  tablespoonful  of  bran  has  been  stirred, 
is  very  efficacious  for  some.  A  lady  in  Iowa  had  had 
very  obstinate  constipation  for  years.  Allopathic 
and  homeopathic  remedies  had  no  effect.  Exercise 
and  the  strictest  hygienic  living  seemed  equally  of 
no  avail.  If,  however,  before  eating  her  breakfast, 
she  would  eat  half  a  cup  of  bran  stirred  in  water  ot 
milk,  the  desired  result  would  be  obtained.  This 
affords  residuum  for  the  alimentary  canal,  as  well  as 
mechanical  stimulus  to  the  mucous  coat. 

In  long  standing,  obstinate  cases,  these  simple 
remedies  will  not  suffice.  There  must  be  an  entire 
and  radical  change  in  diet  as  well  as  other  rational 
measures  used  to  overcome  the  conditions. 

Our  native  wheat  meets  the  need  for  this  change, 
perhaps  more  fully  than  any  other  food,  provided 
the  whole  of  the  grain  is  used.  Such  preparations  of 
it  may  be  found  in  varied  and  attractive  forms,  first 
among  which,  because  almost  everywhere  procurable 
and  easily  prepared,  is  graham  flour.  Complaints 
are  sometimes  made  against  this  excellent  and  nour- 
ishing food,  that  it  is  too  harsh  for  delicate  stomachs. 

The  complaint  should  rather  be  made  against  care- 
less and  ignorant  millers,  who  put  upon  the  market 


ENTIRE  WHEAT  FLOUR.  6l 

an  article  ground  from  their  lowest  grade  of  wheat, 
often,  too,  without  proper  cleaning.  When  the  best 
wheat  is  properly  scoured  and  prepared  by  a  skillful 
miller,  very  few  will  find  difificulty  in  its  digestion. 
Rolled  or  cracked  wheat,  wheatlet,  and  flour  of  the 
entire  wheat,  are  very  useful  in  establishing  a  cor- 
rect habit. 

In  these  the  gluten  which  lies  next  the  bran  is 
preserved — this  contains  the  nitrates  that  feed  mus- 
cular tissues  and  the  mineral  product  that  nourishes 
and  sustains  the  nervous  system.  For  constipation, 
these  foods  are  the  natural  remedy  and  preventive, 
as  they  give  the  ganglionic  nerve  centers  nutriment, 
and  hence  enable  them  to  preside  over  the  functions 
of  digestion. 

Entire  Wheat  Flour,  Franklin  Mill  Co.,  Lockport, 
N.  Y.,  fulfills  these  conditions,  and  is  one  of  the 
noblest  additions  to  the  foods  of  the  world.  The 
grain  is  denuded  of  the  outside  silicious  bark  and 
then  ground  into  a  fine  flour,  and  all  the  elements 
of  the  grain  are  preserved. 

Wheat,  more  than  any  other  article  of  food,  fur- 
nishes all  the  elements  and  in  the  right  proportion 
required  to  nourish  the  body.  In  bolting  the  flour 
to  make  fine  white  flour,  four-fifths  of  the  gluten,  the 
very  most  nutritious  part  of  the  grain,  is  taken  out 
to  be  fed  to  cows  and  hogs. 

Dr.  Ephraim  Cutter,  of  Harvard,  in  an  able  illus- 
trated article  on  "Cereal  Foods"  in  the  American 
Medical  Weekly,  says:  "The  gluten  of  cereal  foods  is 
their  nitrogenized  element,  the  element  on  which 
depends  their  life-sustaining  value,  and  this  element 
is,  in  the  white  dind  foolishly  fashionable  Jlour,  almost 


62  BEST  FOOD  FOR   CHILDREN. 

entirely  removed,  while  the  starch,  the  inferio^  ele- 
ment, is  left  behind  and  constitutes  the  entire  bulk 
and  inferior  nutriment  of  such  flours.  To  use  flour 
from  which  the  gluten  (in  the  bran)  has  been  re- 
moved, is  almost  crijuinal.  That  it  is  foolish  and  use- 
less needs  no  further  demonstration.  In  sickness,  and 
in  the  sickness  of  infants  especially,  starch  is  highly  in- 
jurious, while  gluten  is  life-giving  and  restorative." 

In  the  valuable  article  from  which  the  above 
extract  is  taken,  microscopical  examination  is  given 
of  forty-four  kinds  of  flour  and  health  foods.  Of  the 
Franklin  Mill  Co.  flour  he  says:  "The  field  is  filled 
with  gluten  cells.  Repeated  examinations  prove  this 
to  be  the  best  flour  examined."  One  can  readily  see, 
being  more  nutritious,  in  point  of  economy,  even,  this 
flour  is  invaluable.  It  is  preferable  for  making  any- 
thing that  is  ordinarily  made  from  white  flour; 
makes  better  pie  crust,  better  cake,  and  griddle- 
cakes,  and  for  toast,  pudding  and  gems,  has  no  com- 
parison with  other  flour.  Still  further,  what  will 
with  many  be  considered  the  best  argument  for  its 
use,  the  taste  of  this  flour  is  sweeter  and  more 
"nutty."  Once  accustomed  to  the  "Flour  of  the 
Entire  Wheat,"  white  flour  seems  tasteless  and 
insipid,  and  none  will  return  to  its  use  from  choice. 
Hundreds  of  cases  within  my  knowledge  attest  to 
this  fact. 

The  effect  of  this  food  in  alleviating  and  curing 
constipation  is  something  of  which  all  should  know. 
A  family  at  one  time  came  to  live  near  me  in  which 
was  a  baby  boy  about  sixteen  months  of  age.  I  was 
attracted  by  his  pretty  ways,  but  saw  that  he  was 
far  from  well,  his  skin  being  white  and  waxy,  his 


INTERESTING  EVIDENCE.  63 

flesh  pufl^.    I  said  to  the  mother,  "Your  little  boy 
is  not  well." 
"Do  you   think   so.^"  she  answered   in  surprise. 

"Everybody  thinks  he  looks  so  well." 

"He  certainly  is  not  well  with  that  appearance  of 
his  skin.     What  is  the  matter.?" 

"Why,  nothing  at  all,  except  that  he  is  dreadfully 
constipated,  and  has  been  for  months.  His  bowels 
do  not  move  oftener  than  once  in  two  or  three  days, 
and  then  he  suffers  terribly,  screaming  and  crying 
piteously.  His  rectum  often  protrudes,  and  blood 
comes  with  the  passage." 

"Poor  little  fellow.  That  will  never  do.  What 
do  you  feed  him?"     "Mostly  bread  and  milk." 

"White  bread.?"     "Yes,  baker's  bread." 

"Did  you  ever  use  bread  of  the  entire  wheat 
flour.?" 

She  had  never  heard  of  it  but  was  willing  to  try 
anything  that  might  give  relief.  I  sent  her  a  nice 
loaf,  and  not  only  the  baby  but  all  the  family  enjoyed 
it.  The  mother  desired  to  learn  how  to  make  the 
bread,  and  Wally  soon  made  his  chief  living  off  it, 
and  was  in  a  short  time,  without  the  use  of  any  other 
means,  entirely  cured  of  his  distressing  ailment. 
After  that,  a  sweeter,  more  joyous  baby  I  never  saw, 
hearty  and  happy;  roses  supplanting  lilies  on  his 
cheeks,  his  flesh  becoming  firm  and  hard,  and  his 
fretful,  nervous  temper  growing  sweet  and  even. 
The  happy  mother  could  not  sufficiently  attest  her 
gratitude,  saying  many  times  that  she  should  always 
be  glad  that  she  moved  into  our  neighborhood,  sim- 
ply on  account  of  having  learned  of  this  one  useful 
article  of  diet 


64  WHEATLET  AND  ROLLED  WHEAT. 

Wheatlet,  a  new  preparation  which  is  manufac- 
tured by  the  Franklin  Mill  Co.,  of  Lockport,  N.  Y.^ 
meets  a  demand  for  a  food  adapted  to  the  relief  of 
constipation.  It  is  equally  good  for  the  use  of  dys- 
peptics and  those  who  are  nervously  debilitated.  It 
is  rich  in  the  nitrogenous  and  phosphatic  elements  of 
the  wheat,  and  being  highly  nourishing,  strengthens 
the  nerve  system  which  presides  over  the  organs  of 
digestion.  For  some  stomachs  in  a  diseased  and 
highly  sensitive  state,  it  is  preferable  to  cracked 
wheat  or  rolled  oats,  being  more  delicate  than  either. 
It  is  invaluable  for  children,  especially  when  they 
are  first  weaned. 

Cracked  or  rolled  wheat  stands  with  or  above 
the  entire  wheat  flour  in  its  value  to  overcome  tor- 
pid bowels.  Often  by  making  no  other  change  in 
diet,  but  adding  this  one  article  properly  cooked, 
constipation  will  be  entirely  removed.  I  have  been 
recommending  it  for  thirty  years,  with  uniformly 
satisfactory  results.  In  a  family  with  whom  I  staid 
while  lecturing  in  Southern  Illinois,  was  a  bright  boy 
three  years  of  age.  The  next  morning  after  my  arri- 
val, the  mother  entered  my  room,  her  face  the  picture 
of  despair. 

"Can  you,  doctor,  tell  me  anything  I  can  do  for 
Charlie?  For  nearly  twelve  months  he  has  not  had 
a  natural  passage.  Strong  cathartics  have  ceased  to 
have  any  effect,  and  he  has  a  terror  of  enemas." 

I  noticed  the  night  previous  that  the  child  ate  a 
late  supper,  consisting  entirely  of  cold  mutton  and 
sweet  cake.  I  wondered  then  if  it  was  possible  he 
could  feed  on  such  food  and  be  well.  I  said  to  her, 
"Have  you  tried  diet?" 


FEAST  ON  FRUITS  FREELY.  65 

"Only  to  give  him  figs,  and  these  he  dislikes.  I 
don't  know  what  to  give  him." 

Alas,  how  many  mothers  do  not  know! 

"Do  you  not  ever  use  graham  bread.?" 

'•None  of  us  like  it." 

"Have  you  ever  given  him  cracked  wheat.'" 

"I  never  heard  of  it." 

"Send  and  get  a  package.  I  will  show  you  how 
to  cook  it,  and  we  will  lunch  upon  it." 

CharMe  ate  of  it,  not  freely,  for  his  lunch  and  sup- 
per. The  following  day  he  had  two  natural,  easy 
evacuations.  I  counseled  her  to  give  him  less  meat 
and  cake,  have  him  eat  the  wheat  at  least  once  a  day, 
and  partake  of  more  fruit.  Months  afterward  she 
reported  no  return  of  the  constipation.  Oftentimes 
it  is  the  simplest  things  that  are  the  most  effectual. 

Feast  on  fruits!  Would  that  this  could  be  a 
motto  upon  the  wall  of  every  dining  room  in  the 
land!  Next  to  the  whole  of  the  wheat,  fruit  is  the 
best  laxative  to  the  bowels. 

Dr.  Jackson  says:  "I  advise  the  use  of  fruit  in  the 
morning  if  taken  only  once  a  day;  but  I  heartily  ap- 
prove of  its  forming  a  part  of  every  meal,  though  I 
strongly  condemn  the  indulgence  in  fruit  between 
meals." 

I  coincide  with  him,  and  emphasize  by  saying  _/>a^^ 
on  fruit  freely  !  Don't  stint  the  supply  to  sauce  dishes. 
Use  large  saucers  and  not  only  once  full  but  twice  or 
thrice  full  at  every  meal.  Acid  fruits  are  preferable. 
They  are  the  staple,  and  properly  prepared,  one 
never  tires  of  them.  The  acid  of  the  fruit  is  largely 
oxygen,  and  uniting  with  the  carbon  of  other  foodi 
in  this  way  assists  in  digestion. 


66  FEAST  ON  FRUITS  FREELY. 

For  constipation  some  of  the  dried  fruits  well 
cooked  are  valuable.  Of  these  peaches,  plums, 
prunes,  apricots,  etc.,  that  are  rich  in  hydrocyanic 
acid,  are  preferable.  Get  the  best,  stew  several  hours. 
Never  prepare  a  meal  without  it.  Do  not  say  it  is 
expensive,  and  you  cannot  afford  it.  Take  half  the 
money  you  put  in  meat  and  lard,  and  purchase  fruit. 
You  will  get  interest  and  principal  returned  in 
health  for  yourself,  in  rosy,  buoyant  children,  and 
noticeable  absence  of  doctors'  fees. 

Most  of  the  garden  vegetables  are  also  valuable. 
Rhubarb,  onions,  tomatoes,  asparagus,  green  peas, 
squash,  cauliflower,  green  corn,  etc,  etc.,  are  good, 
and  should  be  well  cooked  without  butter.  The  fruits 
and  vegetables  supply  water,  laxative  in  its  effects 
upon  the  mucous  surfaces.  They  increase  the  resid- 
ual matter  of  the  excrement,  and  supply  stimuli  for 
peristaltic  action. 

Avoid  strong  tea,  especially  if  steeped  a  long  time. 
Tannic  acid  is  developed,  giving  an  astringent  effect. 
Coffee,  especially  the  higher  grades,  in  the  occasional 
use,  stimulates  the  bowels  to  action,  but  the  habit  of 
taking  strong  coffee  gives  the  secondary  effect,  and 
torpidity  is  the  result. 

It  may  be  a  wise  provision  of  nature  that  the 
poorer  and  cheaper  the  coffee,  the  less  deleterious  is 
its  character.  Java  and  Mocha  may  be  really  poison- 
ous to  an  individual,  while  Rio  is  quite  inoffensive. 
Most  of  the  adulterations  of  coffee  are  harmless.  One 
"feasting  on  fruits  freely"  will  not  feel  the  need  of 
any  drink  at  meals,  and  in  total  abstinence  great  gain 
will  be  made  in  overcoming  symptoms  of  indigestion. 


TABLE  OF  FOODS. 


67 


LAXATIVE. 

Rolled  and  cracked  wheat. 
Bread,  gems,  biscuit,  griddle 
cakes,  crackers  and  mush 
from  flour  of  the  entire  wheat, 
and  graham  flour. 

Granula. 

Bran  gruel  and  jelly. 

Fruit  puddings. 

Fruit  pies. 

All  fresh  acid  fruits,  includ- 
ing tropical  fruits,  like  banan- 
as, oranges,  lemons,  etc. 

Dried  figs. 

French  prunes  and  prunel- 
las, eaten  raw. 

Stewed  dried  fruits,  con- 
taining hydrocyanic  acid,  of 
which  peaches,  plums  and 
prunes  are  the  best. 

New  Orleans        asses. 

Rhubarb. 

Onions. 

Celery. 

Tomatoes. 

Cabbage,  raw. 

Com. 

Squash. 

Cauliflower. 

Green  peas. 

Spinach. 

Beets,  etc 

Liver. 

Oysters. 

Wild  game. 


CONSTIPATING 

Hot  bread. 

White  bread. 

White  crackerSc 

Black  pepper  and  spices. 

Pastry  made  of  white  flour 
and  lard. 

Bread,  rolls,  dumplings, 
etc.,  made  with  baking  pow- 
ders. 

Cake. 

All  custard  puddings. 

Salted  meats. 

Salted  fish. 

Dried  meats. 

Dried  fish. 

Smoked  meats. 

Poultry. 

Cheese. 

Chocolate. 

Cocoa. 

Boiled  milk. 

Tea. 

Coffee. 

Coffee  made  from  wheat, 
com,  barley,  toast,  etc. 

Beans  (dried). 

Fbtatoes. 

Farina* 

Sago. 

Stare 

Tapioca. 

Rice. 

Raspberries. 

Blackberries. 


Lean  fresh  meats,  fresh  fish,  eggs,  raw  milk,  oat- 
meal, barley,  buckwheat,  corn  meal,  and  sweet  pota- 
toes have  no  marked  action  either  way,  unless  in 
exceptional  cases. 


68  APPROPRIATE  EXERCISE. 

Appropriate  and  sufficient  exercise  is  next 
in  importance  to  having  proper  food,  in  overcoming 
constipation.  General  and  habitual  exercise  is 
essential  to  promote  good  circulation,  a  healthy 
nervous  tone,  complete  respiration,  and  also  power 
and  elasticity  of  the  muscles.  The  stomach,  liver 
and  indeed  all  the  alimentary  tract  require  also  local 
exercise  in  order  that  a  healthy  standard  may  be 
gained  and  maintained. 

The  worm-like  or  peristaltic  action  of  the  intestines 
is  produced  by  the  contraction  of  the  muscular  coat. 
It  is  by  this  action  that  the  contents  of  the  canal  are 
carried  forward.  Is  it  not  plain  that  if  exercise  can 
develop  the  muscles  of  the  arm  or  leg  it  can  give 
tone  and  power  to  //z^^i?  muscles  as  well.?  Dr.  Taylor, 
in  "Health  by  Exercise,"  says:  "It  is  a  curious  and 
most  interesting  fact  that  children  and  young  ani- 
mals, whose  desire  for  motion  is  inherent,  are  inclined 
chiefly  to  those  exercises  and  those  positions  which 
necessarily  affect  the  abdominal  contents. 

"It  is  in  such  exercises  as  climbing,  rollings  crawl- 
ing,jtimpi?tg d^nd playijig  genev3L\\y  that  these  contents 
are  most  disturbed.  We  are  convinced  that  the 
means  prescribed  by  nature  will  secure  healthful  de- 
velopment and  power  in  these  most  essential  parts  of 
the  body.  As  if  to  insure  these  healthful  effects, 
nature  has  ordained  that  by  respiration,  as  an  efficient 
and  constant  means,  these  motions  shall  be  secured 
to  the  alimentary  canal.  The  abdominal  contents 
may  be  considered  as  being  located  between  two 
great  muscular  organs,  the  diaphragm  and  abdominal 
walls.  These  muscles  act  conjointly  and  simuliatie' 
ously  and  upon  ail  the  included  parts,  causing  them 


LONGEVITY  AND  LUNG  POWER.       69 

to  play  incessantly  upon  each,  and  subjecting  them 
to  a  constant  and  gentle  pressure." 

Deep  breathing,  using  the  diaphragm  and  abdomi- 
nal muscles,  of  which  the  majority  of  women  have  no 
practical  knowledge,  gives  the  most  efficient  exercise 
to  the  digestive  tract.  The  A,  B,  C,  of  health  lessons 
is  in  deep  natural  respiration.  The  lungs  must  be 
filled  to  the  bottom,  and  the  involuntary  muscles  of 
breathing  brought  into  action.  The  most  eminent 
vocal  teacher  of  this  country  asserts  that  in  breath- 
ing "the  main  action  should  be  at  the  waist  and 
below  the  waist."  Animals  and  children  have  this 
natural  breathing.  Men  and  women  lose  it  from  lack 
of  exercise,  and  constrictions  of  dress.  Health, 
strength,  longevity  and  power  of  endurance  depend 
mainly  upon  lung  capacity. 

For  constipation,  those  exercises  must  be  taken 
that  develop  the  diaphragm  and  other  respiratory 
muscles,  that  strengthen  the  muscles  of  the  abdomen 
and  trunk  as  well  as  the  muscular  tissue  of  the  intes- 
tines themselves. 

SPECIAL  EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTIPATION. 

1.  Lying  upon  the  back,  with  abdomen  relaxed, 
have  bowels  thoroughly  kneaded:  make  rapid,  gentle 
movements  with  balls  of  the  fingers  and  palm  of  the 
hands,  not  the  knuckles. 

2.  Same  position,  move  diaphragm  up  and  down 
without  breathing.  This  requires  a  little  experience 
and  can  be  aided  at  first  by  external  pressure  of  the 
hand,  following  the  motion.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
desirable  for  the  object  required,  and  must  not  be 


TO  EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTIPATION. 

abandoned  because  of  a  few  failures.   The  diaphragm 
can  be  taught  to  obey  the  will. 

3.  Reclining  on  the  back  on  a  spring  bed;  flex  the 
knees,  inflate  the  lungs;  move  hips  up  and  down 
with  the  springs  twenty  or  thirty  times.  This  can  be 
performed  by  even  quite  a  weak  person,  and  is  bene- 
ficial to  the  strongest.  Brings  into  action  moderately 
a  great  variety  of  muscles. 

4.  Flex  the  knees  and  elevate  the  hips,  resting  the 
body  on  shoulders  and  feet.  Move  slowly  up  and 
down  ten  times.  Hold  to  count  ten,  and  then  rest  to 
count  the  same.  Lungs  with  this  had  better  be  in- 
flated. No  exercise  is  more  valuable  for  developing 
deep  breathing.  Sick  and  well  would  be  benefited 
by  taking  this  execise  morning  and  night. 

5.  Stand  with  toes  at  angle  of  45**,  knees  together, 
hands  crossed  upon  the  back.  Bend  the  knees.  The 
body  is  kept  perpendicular  and  slowly  descends  until 
sitting  upon  the  heels.  Then  slowly  straightened, 
keeping  trunk  in  same  position.  Count  four  with 
each  movement,  and  from  four  to  ten  with  the  rest. 
This  is  a  severe  exercise,  and  needs  to  be  taken  cau- 
tiously at  first  by  the  invalid.  There  is  no  better, 
however,  for  torpid  bowels. 

6.  Stand  as  before.  Palms  of  hands  placed  over 
lower  ribs,  fingers  forward.  Inhale  through  the  nos- 
trils and  expand  the  waist  as  if  to  burst  the  belt. 
Expel  the  breath  slowly  and  assist  it  by  pressing 
with  the  palms  against  the  ribs. 

7.  Same  position;  inhale  through  the  nostrils: 
retain,  to  count  twenty;  expel  through  the  mouth 
as  whispering  the  syllable  Hoo!  to  a  person  forty 
feet  away. 


EXERCISES  FOR  CONSTIPATION.  /I 

8.  Sit  on  the  floor;  limbs  horizontal  and  parallel; 
lungs  inflated;  hands  joined  over  the  head;  move 
backward  and  forward  slowly  as  far  as  possible;  rest; 
«ame  position,  move  sideways. 

9.  Horizontal  position  on  back;  hands  clasped 
over  the  head;  raise  both  feet  and  head  at  same  time 
making  the  body  assume  a  curved  shape;  hold  to 
count  ten;  repeat  this  only  five  or  six  times  at  first. 
This  is  a  powerful  exercise,  affecting  the  abdominal 
iriscera  and  general  circulation. 

10.  Lie  in  the  horizontal  position;  hands  clasped 
over  the  head;  the  head  and  heels  only  resting  on 
Supports,  as  two  stools,  while  the  body  is  quite  free; 
hold  in  this  position  from  five  to  ten  minutes,  accord- 
ing to  strength,  practicing  waist  breathing;  at  first 
one  might  place  the  stools  nearer  together. 

11.  Kneel  with  one  leg;  place  the  other  forward 
with  the  foot  firm  upon  the  floor;  arms  parallel, 
stretched  upward  to  the  side  of  the  head;  move 
backward  and  forward  slowly,  while  counting  four 
to  each  movement,  and  for  rest;  repeat  three  or  foui' 
times,  and  change  to  the  other  knee.  This  is  a  good 
exercise  for  hips,  groin  and  lower  abdomen. 

12.  Upon  both  knees  wide  apart,  hands  on  hips, 
fingers  forward.  Move  quickly  from  right  to  left, 
and  back  as  far  as  possible.  This  is  a  good  exercise 
for  liver,  spleen  and  muscles  of  the  side. 

Nos,  5, 10,  II  and  12  should  not  be  attempted  by  a 
weak  person  until  the  others  have  been  practiced 
at  least  a  month,  and  then  begin  with  caution.  All 
these  exercises  should  be  taken  in  a  loose  wrapper. 
There  must  be  no  restraint  upon  any  part  of  the 
body.     One   walking  or  working  need  not  be  de- 


72  SIMPLE  CURATIVE  MEASURES. 

terred  from  taking  them.  They  bring  into  action 
unused  muscles,  and  consequently  rest  those  that 
have  been  overworked.  I  knew  a  lady  who  did 
much  of  the  heavy  labor  of  a  large  greenhouse.  She 
never  retired  without  performing  gymnastics  similar 
to  the  above.  She  claimed  that  they  rested  her  by 
the  derivative  effect,  and  the  sleep  that  followed  was 
more  satisfactory. 

Women  cannot  expect  to  successfully  and  per- 
manently overcome  constipation,  if  the  organs  are 
in  any  way  restricted  by  dress.  Nature's  laws  are 
inexorable,  and  the  penalty  of  violation  must  be 
paid.     See  Chap.  VII. 

Do  not  resort  to  drugs,  eve?i  for  temporary  relief. 
Almost  all  aperient  medicines  act  through  the  nerv- 
ous system,  stimulating  the  secretions  to  increased 
flow.  All  stimulation  of  the  nervous  system  is  fol- 
lowed by  a  corresponding  or  increased  depression. 
In  consequence  the  torpor  of  the  bowels  is  worse 
after  a  few  days,  instead  of  better.  If  people  would 
only  note  real  results,  instead  of  seejumg  ones,  very 
little  medicine  would  be  taken,  at  least  such  as  has 
only  palliating  effects. 

In  constipation,  until  permanent  benefits  can  be 
obtained  by  the  means  proposed,  if  it  is  necessary  to 
have  temporary  relief,  resort  to  enemas  in  preference 
to  drugs.  A  small  quantity  of  tepid  water  will 
usually  remove  the  contents  of  the  rectum.  If  a 
thorough  evacuation  is  desired,  follow  directions  on 
page  48. 

Retaining  a  pint  of  warm  water  over  night  has 
proved  beneficial  in  many  cases.  Very  obstinate  im- 
paction in  the  rectum  can  be  relieved  by  injecting 


PERSISTENCE  ESSENTIAL.  73 

from  one  to  two  ouncet  of  Unseed  oil  in  the  rectum, 
and  retaining  it  over  night.  Use  a  rubber  piston 
child's  syringe  for  this  purpose. 

Making  one  meal  of  raw  grains  often  proves  in- 
valuable in  constipation.  Many  persons  are  adopt- 
ing for  diet,  what  they  call  Edenic  food.  They  live 
entirely  upon  uncooked  food,  claiming  that  it  gives 
natural  nutriment,  and  overcomes  morbific  condi- 
tions. For  many  years  I  have  occasionally  recom- 
mended the  use  of  raw  grains,  rolled  oats  or  wheat, 
for  constipation,  nervousness,  sleeplessness,  etc.  It 
serves  its  purpose  best  by  being  eaten  dry,  but  may 
be  taken  with  honey,  fruit  juice  or  milk. 

Going  entirely  without  supper,  or  adopting  the 
tivo  meal  system  has  proved  beneficial  in  obstinate 
cases  where  all  other  means  have  failed.  The  fre- 
quency and  time  of  eating  is  a  great  matter  of  habit. 
By  constant  feeding,  one  gets  himself  to  crave  food 
five  or  six  times  a  day,  while  the  system  can  be  sat- 
isfactorily nourished  upon  one  meal  a  day.  Brain 
workers  especially,  will  find  great  advantage  in  tax- 
ing the  alimentary  processes  less  frequently.  On  de- 
ciding to  do  without  supper,  at  the  usual  meal  time  a 
craving  for  food  can  be  satisfied  by  taking  a  cup  of 
hot  water,  hot  lemonade,  or  some  fruit  juice. 

Finally,  let  me  urge  thoroiighness  and  persistence  in 
the  means  laid  down  to  overcome  torpidity  of  the 
bowels.  Do  not  expect  a  miracle,  but  know  that  by 
giving  proper  conditions,  normal  action  will  surely 
be  restored,  consequently  great  advantages  gained  in 
every  direction.  Once  the  functions  of  the  bowels 
tecome  perfectly  normal,  all  complaints  of  the  sys- 
tem have  a  fair  chance  to  cure  themselves. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


DISEASES  OF  PREGNANCY. 
Headache — Neuralgia — Heartburtty  etc. 

Headache  in  pregnancy  is  caused  either  by  uter- 
ine irritation,  by  derangement  in  digestion,  or  by 
both  combined. 

If  caused  by  uterine  irritation,  there  will  be  burn- 
ing pain  in  the  top  of  the  head  or  at  the  base  of  the 
brain,  accompanied  by  great  soreness,  which  the 
patient  describes  as  a  sore  pain.  This  pain,  too,  is 
constant,  and  likely  to  affect  both  vision  and  memory. 
It  usually  increases  toward  evening,  and  is  relieved 
by  lying  down. 

For  this,  take  warm  sitz  baths  daily,  apply  hot  fo- 
mentations to  back  of  the  head,  and  keep  in  a  reclin- 
ing position  as  much  as  possible.     (See  Chap.  XXL) 

Sick  headache  is  a  severe  pain  in  the  forehead 
and  through  the  temples,  accompanied  by  nausea 
and  vomiting,  often,  too,  by  coldness  of  the  extrem- 
ities and  great  prostration.  The  attacks  are  irregular 
in  frequency  and  duration.  The  causes  are  indiges- 
tion, biliousness,  constipation,  fatigue,  anxiety,  etc. 

One  under  ordinary  circumstances  ought  to  be 
ashamed  to  have  sick  headache.  A  little  common  sense 
in  the  methods  of  living  will  do  away  with  the  causes. 

Tea-drinking  as  a  habit  has  much  to  do  in  pro- 
(74i 


TEA  AND  SICK   HEADACHE.  7$ 

ducing  headaches.  Tea  is  stimulating.  One  ever  so 
weary,  after  drinking  a  cup  of  tea,  feels  as  £-0od  as 
new,  is  invigorated,  hopeful,  chatty,  and  entertaining. 
The  social  cup  of  tea!  Has  it  really  restored  wasted 
tissues.'  Is  it  a  genuine  nerve  feeder.?  Or  does  it 
stimulate  native  forces  to  greater  action.?  Is  it  like 
a  whip  to  the  fagged  horse,  spurring  it  on  to  more 
toil.?  Very  little  tea  is  appropriated  to  build  up 
worn-out  tissues.  It  gives  false  strength.  In  the 
reaction  headache  ensues.  It  is  the  penalty  that 
follows  over-wrought  vitality. 

Dr.  Gregg's  article  in  the  Homeopathic  Quarterly  on 
tea  as  a  cause  of  sick  headache  is  worthy  of  the  at- 
tention of  those  who  suffer  with  this  common  malady. 
The  doctor  alleges  that  this  beverage  is  the  cause  of 
this  disease  more  than  all  other  causes  put  together, 
and  gives  a  number  of  instances  where,  after  leaving 
off  its  use,  persons  who  had  previously  been  afflicted 
were  exempt  from  further  attacks.  One  evidence  the 
doctor  gives  of  the  injurious  effect  of  this  agent  is 
the  fact  that  tea-drinkers  are  liable  to  have  headaches 
if  they  omit  its  use  at  the  regular  times  of  taking  it, 
and  that  the  pain  ceases  on  again  resuming  the  cups. 

"  This  latter,  with  many  other  facts  contained  in 
the  article,  has  often  been  observed,"  says  the  doctor, 
"not  only  on  myself  but  on  others,  for  I  had  in- 
herited the  disease  from  my  mother.  It  had  been  the 
plague  of  her  life  as  well  as  my  own  We  had  both 
been  not  excessive  bnt  regular  tea-drinkers;  and 
although  she  lived  to  be  over  eighty  years  of  age, 
she  was  never  exempt  from  an  attack  of  greater  or 
less  severity,  for  more  than  a  few  weeks  at  a  time, 
for  a  period  of  nearly  or  quite  half  a  century. 


76  DR.  GREGG'S  EXPERIENCE. 

"Knowing  this  fact,  and  that  from  my  earliest  recol- 
lection I  had  been  similarly  affected,  I  was  content 
when  the  pain  returned,  to  relieve  it  with  the  appro- 
priate remedies,  with  little  hope  or  thought  of  ever 
being  able  to  eradicate  it.  Some  twenty  years  ago 
I  had  abandoned  the  use  of  coffee  and  green  tea, 
using  only  the  black  and  Japan.  Pork,  pastry,  spices, 
acids  and  most  kinds  of  raw  fruits  were  sure,  if  in- 
dulged in,  to  bring  on  an  attack  of  my  old  trouble; 
and  this  weakness  of  the  stomach  seemed  to  be  grad- 
ually on  the  increase,  besides  a  train  of  nervous 
symptoms,  such  as  sleeplessness,  palpitation  of  the 
heart,  unsteadiness  of  the  hand  when  writing,  etc., 
etc.,  giving  me  no  little  annoyance. 

"After  reading  the  article  referred  to,  I  concluded 
some  three  months  ago,  to  use  no  more  tea,  substitu- 
ting in  its  stead  hot  water  with  a  little  milk.  The 
result  for  the  first  week  or  ten  days  was  much  as  I 
had  anticipated,  being,  during  the  whole  of  that  time, 
scarcely  ever  free  from  headache.  At  length  the  pain 
became  lighter  and  when  it  did  return,  was  of  short 
duration.  My  nervous  symptoms  grew  less,  palpi- 
tation left  entirely,  my  stomach  became  much 
stronger.  I  can  now  eat  with  impunity  many  things 
which  for  years  had  been  sure  to  disagree.  The 
headache  now  very  rarely  returns,  and  never  with 
severity;  besides,  within  the  past  two  months  my 
weight  was  increased  sixteen  pounds." 

For  many  years  I  was  subject  to  sick  headaches  at 
irregular  intervals.  They  would  come  on  from  a 
cold,  from  want  of  sleep,  or  under  mental  strain. 
When  I  began  to  travel  and  lecture  I  gave  up  the 
use  of  butter  because  I  could  not  always  get  that 


HEADACHE  CAN  BE  CURED.  7/ 

which  was  good.  Since  that  I  have  never  had  a 
severe  attack  of  headache.  I  have  recommended 
many  others  to  deny  themselves  of  butter  and  other 
fats  with  good  results,  using  honey,  fruit  juice  or 
milk  instead. 

With  many,  potatoes  cause  sick  headaches,  espe- 
cially if  mashed  with  a  great  deal  of  butter.  They 
become  soggy,  and  cannot  be  penetrated  by  the 
gastric  juice.  Some  think  that  they  should  never 
be  eaten  at  the  same  meal  with  acid  fruits. 

The  very  worst  sick  headaches  can  be  cured  by 
temperate  living.  A  delicate  lady  was  subject  to 
fearful  attacks  of  sick  headache,  at  least  twice  a 
month.  They  would  last  from  twenty-four  to  forty- 
eight  hours.  Her  sufferings  were  simply  terrible. 
She  had  dyspepsia,  with  grave  uterine  complications. 
She  was  liable  to  die  in  one  of  these  attacks,  and 
could  not  get  well  at  home.  By  my  advice  she  went 
to  a  hygienic  institute  where  she  could  get  baths, 
the  best  diet  and  proper  attention. 

After  beginning  treatment  she  never  had  a  severe 
headache.  Every  attack  was  warded  off,  and  she 
returned  not  only  thoroughly  cured,  but  a  convert 
to  the  belief  that  fruits  and  grains  afford  the  best 
diet  for  health  and  longevity.  One  has  not  always 
the  appliances  or  the  determination  (for  long  sickness 
weakens  the  will)  to  carry  out  a  settled  and  desirable 
course  of  treatment  at  home.  In  such  a  case,  a  well 
regulated  hygienic  institute  should  be  sought. 

For  prevention  of  attacks,  the  treatment  for  bilious- 
ness and  constipation  will  be  effectual.  Rubbing, 
spatting,  brushing  and  combing  the  head  often  wards 
off  the   pain.     Large   drafts   of  hot  water,  or  hot 


78  HEARTBURN. 

lemonade,  or  salt  and  water  may  give  relief.  Put 
hot  applications  to  the  feet  and  fomentations  upon 
the  stomach.  Also  take  a  hot  enema  of  three  quarts 
of  water  and  two  tablespoons  of  salt.  The  latter 
seldom  fails  to  ward  off  an  attack  if  taken  in  time. 

The  following  remedies  have  proved  invaluable: 

Cimicifuga,  2d. — Sore,  aching  pain  at  base  of  brain, 
heat  in  top  of  head,  boring  pain  in  the  eyeballs,  ach- 
ing in  the  limbs,  restlessness.    Six  pellets  every  hour. 

Ignatia,  2d. — Pain  in  forehead,  nausea,  fainting,  de- 
pression of  spirits.  Pain  relieved  by  lying  down. 
Six  pellets  every  two  hours. 

Sanguinaria,  jd. — Sick  headache,  worse  from  mo- 
tion, noise  or  light,  pain  in  back  of  head  and  running 
upward,  dull,  heavy  pain  in  stomach.  Six  pellets 
every  half  hour. 

N71X  Vom.y  2d  trit. — Sick  headache  with  vomiting, 
pains  intermittent,  feet  cold,  congestion,  with  pale 
face.  Put  one  grain  in  six  spoons  of  water,  and  take 
a  spoonful  every  half  hour. 

Puls.,jd. — Pain  in  top  of  head,  sharp  pains  in  back 
and  limbs.     Six  pellets  every  hour. 

Gelseminum,  2d. — Pain  in  right  side  of  head,  run- 
ning down  the  spine.  One  feels  herself  getting 
blind,  pain  relieved  by  tipping  head  backward,  recurs 
periodically.     Six  pellets  every  half  hour. 

Heartburn  is  acidity  of  the  stomach,  caused  by 
improper  food  or  a  failure  in  digestion.  Avoid 
starchy  foods,  fats  and  meats.  Avoid  gravies.  I 
know  a  lady  who  always  has  extreme  acidity  after 
partaking  of  chicken  or  turkey  gravy,  while  nothing 
else  has  a  similar  effect.  To  remedy  heartburn,  take 
the  meals  entirely  without  drinking.    The  gastric 


COLIC — HEMORRHOIDS.  79 

juice  that  dissolves  the  food  is  not  secreted  until  the 
liquids  have  passed  from  the  stomach  by  absorption. 
Anything  that  lowers  the  tone  of  the  stomach  pre- 
vents it  having  power  to  perform  both  of  these  func- 
tions, consequently  the  food  remains,  to  ferment  and 
sour.  If  acidity  is  present,  the  gastric  juice  can  be 
stimulated  by  eating  a  piece  of  burnt  toast,  or  taking 
pulverized  charcoal.  Some,  understanding  this,  make 
crackers  containing  charcoal.  A  few  mouthfuls  of 
these  after  the  meal  will  answer  the  purpose. 

Avoid  a  variety  at  one  meal.  Choose  such  articles 
as  experience  has  proved  to  be  best  assimilated.  Do 
not  take  magnesia,  lime,  soda,  or  any  other  alkaline 
for  this  trouble.  They  injure  the  mucous  coat  of  the 
stomach,  and  the  difficulty  is  more  likely  to  recur 
another  day.  Drinking  copiously  of  warm  water 
may  be  resorted  to,  if  the  burning  is  severe.  This 
will  cause  vomiting,  and  give  relief.  Abstain  from 
food  until  the  fellowing  day,  and  eat  sparingly  until 
the  stomach  has  recovered  a  healthy  tone. 

Flatulence  and  colic  arise  from  a  failure  of 
intestinal  digestion.  Many  of  the  vegetables  are 
inclined  to  cause  flatulence:  beans,  sweet  potatoes, 
and  cabbage  most  frequently.  Corn  meal,  oat  meal, 
and  rolled  wheat  will  produce  flatulence,  if  not  thor- 
oughly cooked.  All  of  these  require  more  time  in 
preparation  than  is  usually  given.  See  chapter  on 
Dietetics  for  proper  cooking  of  these. 

To  remedy  flatulence,  drink  hot  water  warm 

water  enemas,  or  use  the  fomenter  over  the  stomach. 
Avoid  such  articles  of  food  as  cause  the  trouble. 

Hemorrhoids  or  piles  are  often  caused  in  preg- 
nancy by  inflammation  of  the  rectum  or  pressure  of 


80  EXCESSIVE  SALIVA. 

the  gravid  uterus.  Yet  they  are  many  times  a  local 
indication  of  a  constitutional  disturbance,  ctnd  local 
applications  can  give  only  temporary  relief.  The 
most  obstinate  cases  can  be  overcome  in  time  by 
correct  living.  The  diet  and  exercises  should  be 
similar  to  those  for  constipation. 

Dr.  Shew  says:  "There  is  nothing  in  the  world 
that  will  produce  so  great  relief  in  piles  as  fasting. 
If  the  attack  is  severe,  live  a  whole  day  or  even  two 
days,  if  necessary,  upon  pure,  cold,  soft  water  alone." 
I  would  substitute  hot  water  and  hot  lemonade,  fol- 
lowed for  several  days  by  liquid  foods  only.  Oi 
these  bran  gruel  is  the  best.  When  there  is  some 
internal  heat,  and  even  considerable  inflammation, 
tepid  sitz-baths  and  cold  compresses  are  of  great 
benefit.  An  enema  of  hot  water  relieves  the  pain  in- 
cident to  hemorrhoids.  For  cases  not  of  long  stand- 
ing, the  following  recipe  will  seldom  fail  to  relieve: 

3     Fl.  Ex.  Hamamelis,  3ij. 
Linseed  oil,  ^ij- 

Mix. — Apply  externally  two  or  three  times  a  day, 
or  inject  with  a  small  syringe. 

Excessive  secretion  of  saliva  is  only  another 
indication  of  indigestion,  and  rarely  troubles  one 
who  lives  plainly.  Drinking  hot  water  will  relieve  it. 
Also  holding  in  the  mouth  very  hot  or  very  cold 
water,  or  pieces  of  ice,  will  give  temporary  relief. 
It  rarely  fails  to  disappear  under  the  fruit  diet. 
Eating  a  few  almonds  or  a  peach  kernel  after  a  meal 
frequently  produces  desirable  results.  Indeed,  these 
are  often  valuable  for  indigestion. 

Greedy  appetite  is  more  to  be  feared  than  loss 


LOSS  OF  APPETITE.  Si 

of  appetite.  One  is  hungry  at  all  times,  complains 
she  can  not  get  enough  to  eat.  This  is  strong 
evidence  that  there  are  morbid  conditions.  The  sys- 
tem is  likely  to  take  on  excess  of  fat,  and  become 
loaded  with  poisonous  elements. 

To  fight  an  excessive  appetite  is  the  hardest  battle 
of  the  pregnant  woman.  If  convinced  herself  that 
over-eating  is  injurious,  her  friends  are  delighted  to 
see  her  €7ijoy  her  foody  and  furnish  everything  that 
pleases  her  taste,  and  she  eats  in  season  and  out  of 
season.  She  even  "gets  so  hungry  she  can  not 
sleep,"  and  in  the  night  partakes  of  a  pantry  feast. 
If  the  best  conditions  are  sought  for  self  and  child, 
this  morbid  appetite  must  be  overcome. 

Observe  religiously  a  few  rules: 

On  no  account  eat  between  meals. 

Partake  mostly  of  fruits  and  vegetables. 

Keep  away  from  the  odor  of  food. 

Take  plenty  of  outdoor  exercise. 

When  a  sense  of  hunger  comes  on,  drink  hot  water, 
or  hot  lemonade.  Have  a  strong  will  to  conquer  and 
the  victory  will  be  won. 

Loss  OF  APPETITE  IS  seldom  sufficiently  persistent 
to  occasion  anxiety,  unless  accompanied  by  nausea, 
or  constipation.  (See  Chapter  V.)  Usually  it  is 
nature's  method  of  restoring  normal  conditions,  and 
if  let  alone  completely  will  right  itself.  One,  however, 
is  so  imbued  with  the  fear  of  not  being  nourished 
that  she  forces  herself  to  eat,  and  hence  thwarts 
nature.  If  there  is  no  appetite^  eat  nothings  for  the  food 
will  not  be  digested.  If  in  following  this  rule  one 
feels  a  faintness  or  a  "goneness"  at  the  stomach, 
drink  thin  bran  gruel  hot,  or  a  cup  of  wheat  coffee. 


82  LONGINGS — DIARRHEA. 

Wait  for  the  next  meal — if  still  there  is  no  appetite, 
pursue  the  same  course. 

Longings. — Many  women  all  through  pregnancy 
seem  possessed  to  fill  their  systems  with  the  vilest 
trash.  They  must  have  chalk,  slate  pencils,  magnesia, 
starch,  condiments,  etc.  Sometimes  these  longings 
are  from  an  actual  want  in  the  system;  then,  again, 
morbid  conditions  crave  what  they  feed  upon.  No 
one  lives  a  sufficiently  natural  life  to  depend  upon 
the  instinct  for  food.  Without  knowing  the  case  it 
would  be  hard  to  say  whether  the  fancy  should  be 
gratified.  Hundreds,  however,  can  testify  that  by 
adopting  the  diet  laid  down  in  this  book,  the  system 
is  naturally  fed,  is  fully  nourished  in  all  the  elements, 
and  one  seldom  suffers  from  craving  demands.  If  the 
article  desired  is  known  to  be  injurious,  like  cloves, 
pickles,  alcoholic  stimulants,  magnesia,  starch,  etc., 
it  is  better  to  overcome  the  desire.  The  juice  of  a 
lemon  in  hot  water,  a  brisk  walk,  a  ride,  or  a  merry 
chat  with  a  friend  will  dissipate  the  fancy.  Put  the 
mind  on  something  above  physical  desires.  Commit 
to  memory  a  poem,  learn  a  song,  paint  a  picture, 
make  a  garment,  or  do  a  good,  generous  deed.  If 
possible,  rise  above  appetite. 

Diarrhea  in  pregnancy  is  not  of  frequent  occur- 
rence. Ordinarily,  it  is  only  an  effort  of  nature  to 
correct  abnormal  conditions;  in  such  cases  it  requires 
no  attention.  If,  however,  it  becomes  persistent  and 
troublesome,  it  will,  contrary  to  common  prejudice, 
usually  yield  to  the  use  of  acidulated  drinks  or  the 
fruit  diet.  It  may  be  best  for  a  few  days  to  keep 
quiet  and  avoid  solid  food.  Enemas  of  hot  water 
are  frequently  beneficial. 


NEURALGIA — NERVE   FOOD.  83 

The  following  remedies  are  indicated: 

Arsenictim,  jd. — Discharges  light  and  copious  with 
great  thirst.     Six  pellets  every  four  hours. 

Merc.  Cor.,  6th. — Frequent  urging  and  straining, 
severe  pain.  Discharges  slight,  greenish,  or  mixed 
with  mucous.     Six  pellets  four  times  a  day. 

The  symptoms  of  pregnancy  treated  thus  far  are 
usually  the  result  of  some  disturbance  in  the  opera- 
tions of  alimentation.  The  few  remaining  to  be 
considered  would  scarcely  ever  occur,  if  the  entire 
system  were  rightly  nourished.  Still,  not  being  im- 
mediately the  result  of  failure  in  the  digestive  act, 
they  merit  special  attention. 

Neuralgia  and  neuralgic  toothache  are  common 
and  distressing  symptoms  during  gestation.  The 
child  of  the  forest,  the  peasant  girl  of  Europe  and 
the  dusky  cotton  picker  of  the  South  probably  have 
no  conception  of  a  neuralgic  pain. 

Our  cultured  civilization  incurs  the  infraction  of  so 
many  physical  laws  that  it  is  difficult  to  find  the 
cause  of  any  disease.  Neuralgia  is  not  unfrequently 
the  constant  companion  of  the  bilious,  overfed,  or 
perhaps,  I  should  say,  the  carbonaceously  fed  subject. 
Too  much  fuel,  and  too  little  oxygen! 

Lack  of  nerve  food  is  another  cause.  The  phos- 
phates and  other  saline  elements  are  insufficient.  Also 
exhausted  and  weakened  nerves,  making  an  effort  to 
recuperate,  give  the  possessor  great  suffering.  The 
mother,  who  already  has  several  children,  wearied 
and  worried  by  their  many  wants,  whose  domestic 
cares  are  a  continual  burden,  who  has  no  surcease 
from  the  sexual  relation,  is  the  one  likely  to  suffer 

from  neuralgia.     Often  the  pregnant  woman  strains 
6  -"^ 


84  A   CASE   FROM   PRACTICE. 

every  nerve  that  her  house  be  put  and  kept  in  order. 
She  spends  anxious  days  and  sleepless  nights  in  weary 
watching  over  a  sick  child  or  husband.  Suffering 
must  surely  follow.  The  tonics,  stimulants  and  opiates 
prescribed  by  most  physicians  cause  worse  symptoms 
than  the  original  trouble.  Nature  demands  only  rest. 
The  relief  obtained  by  drugs  is  at  too  great  a  sacri- 
fice of  vital  force.  Nearly  all  that  take  opiates  attest 
that  on  the  following  day  sufferings  ensue  from 
nausea,  headache,  loss  of  appetite,  constipation,  etc. 

In  most  cases  hot  applications  will  give  sure  relief. 
Why  is  it,  that  simple  measures  are  the  last  thought 
of.-*  Use  the  fomenter  locally;  if  that  is  not  sufficient, 
give  a  full  hot  or  thermal  bath.     (See  Chap.  VIII.) 

Human  magnetism  is  superior  to  all  other  agents 
for  neuralgia.  Nearly  every  family  has  some  mem- 
ber that  possesses  the  gift  of  healing  by  the  "laying 
on  of  hands."  The  spine  and  extremities  should  be 
manipulated,  and  then  the  affected  part.  The  patient 
will  fall  into  a  restful  sleep,  awaken  refreshed,  if  not 
cured,  and  have  no  poisonous  drugs  to  be  eliminated 
from  the  system. 

Some  years  ago  I  was  called  late  at  night  to  a  lady 
who  for  days  had  suffered  untold  agony  from  facial 
neuralgia.  Her  face  was  greatly  swollen  and  the 
pain  was  so  intense  that  she  had  nearly  lost  her  rea- 
son. An  eminent  physician,  under  the  popular 
delusion  that  it  was  malaria,  had  prescribed  quinine. 
As  she  had  protested  against  its  internal  administra- 
tion, he  ordered  her  bathed  in  an  unction  of  quinine 
and  cosmoline.  Each  day  finding  the  patient  worse, 
he  increased  the  frequency  of  the  quinine  bath. 

Upon  my  entering  the  room,  she  seized  my  hand 


BURNING   FEET — CRAMPS.  8$ 

with  a  vise-like  grip  and  cried:  "Doctor,  give  me 
something,  or  I  must  die  of  this  agony!" 

I  assured  her  that  she  should  have  help.  Turning 
to  her  husband,  I  said:  "Bring  me  a  wash-bowl 
with  hot  water  and  ammonia  in  it.  Put  four  bricks 
in  the  furnace  as  soon  as  you  can." 

Quickly  the  whole  surface  was  cleansed  of  the  ob- 
struction to  the  pores.  The  heated  bricks  were 
wrapped  in  wet  cloths  and  one  placed  each  side  of 
her  face.  Friction  was  applied  to  the  extremities, 
and  in  less  than  half  an  hour  after  I  entered  the  house 
the  anxious  husband  and  friends  were  rejoiced  to  see 
the  patient  enjoying  a  restful  sleep.  She  made  a 
speedy  recovery.  There  are  few  cases  of  neuralgia 
that  can  not  be  relieved  by  this,  or  similar  means. 
"Will  not  the  pain  return.?"  Perhaps,  but  not  as 
likely  as  where  the  nervous  sensibility  has  been 
benumbed  with  drugs. 

If  the  mother  has  facial  neuralgia  or  toothache, 
and  can  not  be  spared  from  family  cares  to  take  the 
needful  bath  and  rest,  or  can  not  get  magnetic  treat- 
ment, temporary  relief  can  be  obtained  by  bathing 
the  affected  part  in  the  tincture  of  aconite.  This  is 
rarely  followed  by  unpleasant  results,  but  should  be 
used  cautiously  and  only  externally. 

Burning  feet  are  best  relieved  by  bathing  them 
in  very  hot  water.  A  sand  bath,  too,  is  excellent. 
Have  a  box  of  moist  sand,  in  which  bury  the  feet 
for  thirty  or  forty  minutes.  In  summer  one  will  find 
it  very  grateful  to  allow  the  bare  feet  to  come  in 
contact  with  green  grass  or  freshly  turned  earth. 

Cramps  in  the  limbs  are  occasioned  by  pressure 
upon  the  cruraJ  and  sciatic  nerves;  are  frequently  the 


86  SWELLING   OF   THE   EXTREMITIES. 

direct  result  of  pressure  from  clothing.  For  tem- 
porary relief  lie  flat  upon  the  back,  head  and  shoul- 
ders low,  and  hips  elevated.  Apply  hand  friction  to 
the  limbs  and  back.  The  only  permanent  relief  is  to 
take  the  exercises  that  will  expand  the  ribs  and  walls 
of  the  abdomen,  thus  giving  more  room  for  fetal 
house-keeping. 

Swelling  of  the  extremities  is  caused  from 
biliousness  and  sluggish  circulation.  Oftentimes  the 
venous  circulation  is  so  deficient  that  varicose  veins 
are  the  result.  Sometimes  these  swell  and  form  knots 
and  tumors  of  great  size.  I  recall  a  patient  who  had 
a  varicose  tumor  as  large  as  the  doubled  hand,  situ- 
ated upon  the  labia.  These  knotted  veins  give  great 
distress,  and  cause  much  anxiety.  I  have  never 
known  of  their  annoying  a  person  who  had  adopted 
XhQ  fruit  diet  and  other  hygienic  measures. 

Temporary  relief  can  be  obtained  by  bathing  the 
limbs  in  cold  water,  and  putting  on  a  roller  bandage 
made  of  strips  of  rubber.  This  should  be  from  an 
inch  and  a  half  to  two  inches  wide.  It  must  be  put 
on  smoothly  and  equably.  Begin  at  the  toes,  lap  the 
edges  about  half  an  inch,  make  reverses  to  prevent 
creases,  and  extend  above  the  swelled  veins. 

Pain  in  the  side,  either  right  or  left,  may  be  from 
the  same  cause  as  cramps  or  pains  in  the  limbs.  Put 
on  hot  fomentations  and  follow  the  directions  for 
cramps.  These  pains  may  extend  to  the  abdomen, 
and  may  be  neuralgic  in  their  character,  or  may 
assume  an  intermittent  form,  producing  what  is  called 
false  pains.  They  often  simulate  labor  pains  so 
closely  as  to  deceive  patient  and  friends.  To  distin- 
guish them,  place  the  hand  upon  the  abdomen  during 


SLEEPLESSNESS.  8/ 

the  pain.  If  contraction  of  the  uterus  is  felt,  there  is 
true  labor,  but  if  there  is  no  change  in  the  walls,  they 
are  false  pains.  Frequent  warm  sitz-baths  will  give 
relief.     The  temperature  should  be  about  95°  Fr. 

For  rigidity  of  the  integument  of  the  abdo- 
men, bathe  in  hot  water,  then  rub  in  olive  oil  or 
cosmoline.  This  symptom  is  not  likely  to  be  trouble- 
some if  the  exercises  recommended  are  being  taken. 

Insomnia  is  the  result  of  reflex  nervous  action 
from  stomach  or  uterus.  The  causes  must  be  re- 
moved. Bathing  feet  and  legs  in  cold  water,  or 
taking  a  sitz-bath,  temperature  90  degrees,  followed 
by  thorough  friction,  will  usually  give  sound,  refresh- 
ing sleep.  A  compress  applied  to  the  back  of  the 
neck  is  good,  especially  if  there  is  heat  in  the  head. 
Try  changing  from  the  customary  bed  to  a  lounge 
or  another  apartment.  Hand  magnetism  or  the  mag- 
netic cap  will  afford  relief  to  many.  Tea  and  coifee 
often  produce  wakefulness,  and  should  be  omitted. 

In  place  of  the  evening  meal,  take  a  cup  of  hot 
water  or  wheat  coffee.  When  all  other  means  are 
without  avail,  this  abstinence  seldom  fails  to  secure 
sound,  refreshing  sleep,  that  is  truly  "Nature's  sweet 
restorer." 

Avoid  opiates.  Mother  and  child  suffer  less  from 
insomnia  itself  than  from  the  effects  of  drugs  that 
produce  sleep  by  their  anodyne  effects.  By  these  the 
processes  of  nature  are  disturbed  and  all  the  opera- 
tions of  the  body  deranged.  After  going  to  bed  sip 
slowly  a  cup  of  hot  water  and  milk,  equal  parts. 
This  is  especially  desirable  where  there  is  nervous 
irritability  and  weak  digestion. 

For  many  years  I  was  subject  to  insomnia.  I  found 


88  LEUCORRHEA. 

temporary  benefit  from  looking  steadily  at  one 
object,  keeping  the  eyes  wide  open.  It  is  better  to 
have  the  object  above  and  back  of  the  head,  so  that 
the  eye  is  forced  to  roll  backward  and  upward. 
Keep  the  eyes  open  as  long  as  possible.  When  at 
last  they  close,  still  in  imagination  look  at  the  object, 
keeping  the  mind  steadily  upon  it.  There  is  one 
measure  still  better  than  this  for  insomnia;  that  is,  to 
become  entirely  indifferent  as  to  whether  you  sleep 
or  not.  Possess  yourself  of  the  belief  that  sleep  is 
unnecessary  for  you,  that  you  are  as  well  off  without 
it.  Occupy  your  mind  by  reciting  poetry,  recalling 
the  past,  or  planning  work  for  the  future,  assuring 
yourself  that  your  body  is  getting  rest.  If  you  can 
become  entirely  convinced  of  this  fact,  with  no  lurk- 
ing combative  belief,  you  will  be  surprised  to  see 
that  you  have  obtained  a  condition  which  will  soon 
result  in  oblivion. 

LEUCORRHEA. — A  thin,  milky  greenish  or  watery 
discharge  is  not  unfrequently  a  great  annoyance  in 
pregnancy,  and  a  drain  upon  the  vitality.  It  is  usu- 
ally the  result  of  inflammation  in  the  uterus  and 
vagina,  or  an  irritation  set  up  by  hardened  feces  in 
the  rectum.  Leucorrhea  is  not  a  disease,  but  is  sim- 
ply the  symptom  of  a  disease,  as  the  cough  or  sputa 
are  symptoms  of  bronchitis.  This  is  nature's  effort 
to  throw  off  inflammation.  She  fails  in  the  attempt, 
and  such  a  condition  is  produced  that  the  discharge 
becomes  chronic. 

Do  not  use  astringents  for  leucorrhea.  They  only 
palliate  by  drying  the  secretion  for  a  short  time. 
When  the  remedy  is  omitted  the  discharge  returns, 
or  more  grave  symptoms  appear.    The  cause  should 


PRURITUS.  89 

be  treated.  For  many  cases  good  results  will  follow 
the  use  of  hot  injections  of  carbolic  soap  suds.  Two 
hours  a  day,  wear  cotton  in  the  vagina  saturated 
with  glycerine.  This  temporarily  increases  the  dis- 
charge, but  aids  to  remove  irritation.  Like  other 
symptoms  this  yields  to  thorough  hygienic  measures. 
Pruritus  of  the  vulva  often  becomes  very  trouble- 
some; may  be  the  result  of  a  sanious  leucorrhea,  ex- 
cessive dryness,  inflammation  or  eruptions.  For  the 
first  cause,  treat  accordingly.  For  inflammation  of 
the  labia  apply  cloths  in  a  cold  lotion  of  borax,  one 
teaspoonful  to  a  quart  of  water.  For  dryness  apply 
glycerine  upon  cotton.  Pruritus  will  usually  be  re- 
lieved by  the  following  lotion: 


3     Tincture  Lobelia 
"         Benzoin 
Glycerine 
Alcohol 


a  a  3ij 


Add  benzoin  last,  slowly. 

Apply  upon  absorbent  cotton  or  oakum.  Cleanse 
the  parts  frequently  with  carbolic  soap  suds. 

As  hygienic  treatment  of  pregnancy  is  fully  given, 
other  symptoms  are  omitted.  Remember  that  suf- 
fering is  the  result  of  violated  laws.  With  physical 
as  moral  law: 

"  Each  man's  life 
The  outcome  of  his  former  living  is. 

The  bygone  wrongs  bring  forth  sorrow  and  woes; 
The  bygone  right  breeds  bliss, 

That  which  ye  sow,  ye  reap." 


CHAPTER  VII. 


HYGIENE  OF   PREGNANCY. — DRESS. 

What  more  charming  sight  than  a  rosy,  robust 
young  woman!  Full  of  vigor,  life,  strength,  power; 
her  step  elastic,  bounding,  her  face  radiant,  her  pres- 
ence magnetic!  To  such  there  are  no  fears,  no 
forebodings  in  maternity! 

She  needs  not  the  counsels  of  physician  or  books. 
Her  own  life  fulfills  the  law.  It  is  not  for  her  I  write, 
but  for  those  who,  constantly  violating  physical  laws, 
never  know  the  blessedness  of  health. 

A  woman  possessed  of  a  good  constitution,  having 
had  proper  physical  training,  is  fully  prepared  to 
assume  the  responsibilities  of  marriage  and  mater- 
nity. As  Nature's  own  child,  she  needs  to  make  but 
little  change  in  her  habits  during  the  period  of 
gestation. 

Realizing  her  obligations  to  offspring  and  posterity, 
long  before  assuming  the  marriage  relation  she  has 
practiced  all  known  laws  of  health. 

Dr.  Holbrook  says:  "Those  ailments  to  which 
pregnant  women  are  liable,  are,  most  of  them,  incon- 
veniences rather  than  diseases,  although  they  may 
be  aggravated  to  a  degree  of  real  danger.  Arising, 
as  they  do,  from  the  temporary  physical  condition  of 
the  organism,  what  they  require  is,  not  such  medical 
treatment  as  may  be  needed  for  a  true  disease,  but 

(90) 


CONGENIAL  SURROUNDINGS.  9I 

rather  a  general  hygienic  regimen.  For  a  similar 
reason,  while  on  the  one  hand  it  may  not  be  possible 
to  remove  them  entirely,  yet  on  the  other  they  can 
almost  always  be  greatly  alleviated. 

"In  general,  however,  it  maybe  first  observed  that 
such  a  way  of  living  as  shall  maintain  and  elevate  the 
usual  standard  of  mental  and  physical  health,  will,  of 
course,  increase  the  pozver  of  resisting  and  surmounting 
all  ailments  whatever  T 

The  aim  of  this  work  is  to  show  how  this  standard 
may  be  gained  and  maintained.  The  directions 
given  in  the  following  pages  are  simply  teachings  of 
nature.  No  nostrums  or  mysterious  prescriptions 
are  recommended,  but  the  simple  lessons  herein 
given  are  an  effort  to  teach  women  how  to  regain 
that  which  they  have  lost  through  the  errors  of 
civilization. 

Congenial  surroundings  are  essential  for  health 
of  both  mother  and  child.  Wealth  and  luxuries  are 
not  needful,  but  comfort  and  agreeable  companion- 
ship are  desirable,  with  freedom  from  excessive  phys- 
ical burdens  and  mental  anxieties. 

Men  and  women  are  to-day  suffering  from  lack  of 
vitality,  caused  by  the  overwork  and  burdens  of  our 
pioneer  mothers  during  gestation.  The  farmer  who 
would  not  work  his  mare  in  foal,  counsels  or  provides 
for  his  pregnant  wife  no  relief  from  toil  and  care. 
The  mechanic's  wife,  knowing  the  need  of  making 
every  dollar  do  its  utmost,  performs  the  severest 
drudgery,  with  only  aches,  pains  and  puny  offspring 
for  her  compensation. 

It  is  true  that  gestation  often  gives  to  woman  more 
than  ordinary  ambition,  which  may  excel  her  phys- 


92  AN  OLD   lady's   STORY. 

ical  strength.  With  usual  health  and  suitable  sur- 
roundings, she  frequently  experiences  a  mental  state 
of  exaltation.  She  expresses  herself  as  feeling  "as  if 
she  trod  upon  air."  Her  whole  being  drinks  from 
the  fountain  of  life.  She  is  brought  en  rapport  with 
all  things  divine.  She  herself  is  a  creator,  and  is  it 
not  divine  to  create.? 

In  this  state  of  exaltation  she  is  no  judge  of  her 
physical  strength.  The  prudent,  watchful  husband 
and  loving  friends  must  be  her  guardians.  She  must 
be  held  in  check  and  admonished  of  self-interest  and 
the  well-being  of  her  child.  Otherwise  great  injuries 
are  likely  to  be  inflicted  upon  herself  and  offspring. 

I  am  acquainted  with  a  charming  old  lady,  whose 
seventy-eight  summers  have  left  her  in  possession  of 
health  and  happiness,  as  a  heritage  of  a  well-spent 
life.     In  talking  of  these  things,  she  says: 

"Doctor,  why  is  it  that  my  daughters,  Jane,  Re- 
becca and  Mary  Ann,  have  no  powers  of  endurance.? 
Their  father  was  never  sick.  My  own  health  and 
strength  have  been  a  marvel  to  every  one.  Why! 
the  three  girls  together  cannot  do  the  work  I  could 
when  I  was  their  age.  Girls  are  no  account  now-a- 
days.  When  I  was  like  for  my  children,  I  could  get 
up  and  milk  the  cows,  churn  and  make  cheese.  This 
was  not  all;  I  could  take  the  wool  from  the  sheep's 
back,  wash,  card,  spin,  weave  and  make  it  into  gar- 
ments. I  could  walk  two  miles  to  church.  I  slept 
soundly  and  ate  heartily.  Why,  what  would  have 
become  of  us,  if  I  had  been  lying  about  in  wrappers 
and  slippers,  dosing  with  drugs  as  my  girls  do  now.?" 

Bless  the  heart  of  the  dear  old  lady!  Just  because 
she  did  all  this,  her  daughters  are  not  her  equals  in 


A  STORY  OF   HIGH    LIFE.  93 

Strength.  She  robbed  them  of  their  inheritance,  by- 
spending  all  her  vitality  in  exhausting  labor,  and 
vicariously  they  atone  for  her  wrong-doing. 

The  woman  who  indulges  in  the  excessive  gayety 
of  fashionable  life,  as  well  as  the  overworked  woman, 
deprives  her  child  of  vitality.  She  attends  parties 
in  a  dress  that  is  unphysiological  in  warmth,  distri- 
bution and  adjustment,  in  rooms  badly  ventilated; 
partakes  of  a  supper  of  indigestible  compounds,  and 
remains  into  the  "wee,  sma'  hours,"  her  nervous  sysr 
tem  taxed  to  the  utmost. 

Although  faint,  weary  and  exhausted,  the  follow- 
ing day  is  spent  in  receptions  and  calls,  closing  with 
theater  or  opera.  If  abortion  is  not  the  result,  can 
any  sane  woman  expect  her  child  under  such  circum- 
stances to  be  in  possession  of  vigor  and  strength.^ 
Bounding  health  is  the  inheritance  of  childhood. 
Woe  to  the  parent  who  robs  it  of  this  inheritance! 

I  was  summoned  one  morning  by  a  Mr.  B.,  a 
cheery,  successful  business  man,  to  see  his  wife. 

He  says:  "Doctor,  I  have  exhausted  my  skill,  and 
must  have  advice  from  higher  authority." 

"What  is  your  diagnosis.''" 

"Pregnancy,  five  months,  accompanied  by  hysteria; 
unlike  herself,  she  is  irritable,  fretful  and  morose; 
sleeps  but  little,  and  has  no  patience  with  the  chil- 
dren or  servants." 

This  is  no  unusual  case.  I  found  Mrs.  B.  living  in 
a  handsome  three-story  dwelling  elegantly  furnished. 
Every  luxury  was  at  her  command.  She  had  a  deli- 
cate, sensitive  organization,  extremely  susceptible  to 
all  influences.  Her  five  children  were  full  of  spirit, 
noisy  and  exacting.     A  late  breakfast  caused  hurry 


94  STORY  CONTINUED. 

and  confusion  in  preparation  for  school.  Upon  arriv- 
ing I  found  my  lady  weeping  uncontrollably,  and 
apparently  in  great  trouble.  I  took  her  hand,  say- 
ing: "My  poor  child,  what  is  it.-*" 

"Oh,  I  wish  I  could  get  away  from  myself;  life  is 
not  worth  living." 

"None  can  do  that;  tell  me  all,  and  let  us  see  if 
your  sorrows  and  ills  cannot  be  alleviated." 

The  truth  was  that,  although  an  indulged  wife,  her 
burdens  were  beyond  her  strength.  The  Irish  cook, 
good-natured  and  efficient,  had  been  detected  in  car- 
rying provisions  to  a  sick  friend.  The  second  girl 
had  a  beau  every  night,  who  remained  so  late  that 
she  had  insufficient  sleep.  In  consequence  she  was 
fretful  to  the  children  and  unfitted  for  all  her  duties. 
The  youngest  child,  still  a  mere  baby,  was  teething 
and  required  attention  night  and  day.  Though  sur- 
rounded by  every  comfort  that  love  could  procure, 
her  strength  was  too  greatly  taxed.  Later  in  the  day 
her  husband  called  at  my  office. 

He  says:  "What  is  four  diagnosis,  doctor. '*" 

"Overtaxed;  her  nervous  system  is  worn  out." 

"Why,  she  has  all  the  help  she  wants,  and  needs  to 
do  nothing." 

"True;  but  there  is  no  help  to  be  had  for  the  very 
things  that  have  worn  her  out.  No  one  can  take  a 
mother's  place.  She  has  children  too  fast  for  her 
strength.  She  is  a  conscientious  mother,  desiring  to 
give  every  child  proper  training.  To  do  this  requires 
that  domestic  arrangements  be  systematic  and 
complete.  Successful  housekeeping,  under  modern 
improvements,  requires  the  combined  heads  of  an 
army  general  and  a  secretary  of  state," 


PARENTAL  OBLIGATION.  95 

"Well,  doctor,  what  is  your  prescription?" 

"Take  her  away  from  it  all." 

"Where  had  she  better  go?" 

"To  her  mother,  a  hygienic  institute,  or  what  is 
better,  can't  you  get  away  from  business  awhile,  and 
go  with  her  yourself  ?  It  would  do  her  a  world  of 
good.  Have  a  second  honeymoon;  let  her  see,  hear 
and  do  what  pleases  her  best,  and,  mark  my  word, 
you  will  be  well  paid," 

"I  declare!  I  never  thought  of  matters  in  that 
light  before.  I  believe  that  you  are  right.  I  can 
get  away  next  week,  and  I  will.  Mother  can  come 
in  and  take  care  of  the  children  while  we  are  gone 
just  as  well  as  not." 

To  parents  I  would  say  with  Fowler:  "By  all  the 
value  of  splendid  children  over  poor  or  none,  should 
all  other  interests  be  subservient  to  maternity,  not  it 
to  them.  Brush  aside,  like  cobwebs,  pecuniary,  am- 
bitional,  and  all  other  ends,  and  make  it  imperious 
lord  over  all.  Your  family  may  better  live  on  bread 
and  water,  and  you  have  splendid  children,  than  do 
all  this  work,  and  have  ill-natured,  sickly  ones. 
What  are  stylish  rooms  and  furniture,  many  and 
high-seasoned  dishes,  in  comparison  with  a  sweet  and 
healthful  child?  .  .  .  Your  child-rearing  mission 
is  your  one  duty.  Do  this  in  the  very  best  manner 
possible,  but  make  all  else  secondary.  See  that  the 
prospective  mothers  want  nothing.  They  deserve, 
and,  as  society  advances,  will  yet  receive  universal 
sympathy,  along  with  the  utmost  care  and  affection." 

On  account  of  the  foregoing  remarks,  do  not  sup- 
pose that  an  idle,  dependent  life  is  counseled.  By  no 
means.     A  woman  in  pregnancy,  as  at  other  times, 


96  LUCRATIVE  WORK. 

should  be  actively  employed,  and  if  it  can  be  in  some 
absorbing,  congenial,  lucrative  work,  so  much  the 
better.  It  is  the  incessant  nothings  of  woman's  work 
which,  while  accomplishing  so  little,  yet  wear  out 
the  nerves,  and  exhaust  the  patience. 

"     abor  is  life!     'Tis  the  still  water  faileth! 
Idleness  ever  despaireth,  bewaileth! 
Keep  the  watch  wound,  or  the  dark  rust  assaileth; 

Flowers  droop  and  die  in  the  stillness  of  noon. 
Labor  is  glory!     The  flying  cloud  lightens: 
Only  the  waving  wing  changes  and  brightens. 
Idle  hearts  only  the  dark  future  frightens. 

Play  the  sweet  keys,  wouldst  thou  keep  them  in  tune!" 

A  lady  well  known  to  a  large  circle  of  friends  as  a 
successful  writer  and  business  woman,  the  mother  of 
a  large  family  of  sons  and  daughters,  who,  at  the  age 
of  forty-five  is  the  personification  of  health  and  en- 
ergy, had  this  remarkable  experience:  During  the 
period  preceding  the  birth  of  her  fourth  child,  pecu- 
niary misfortune,  and  the  ill-health  of  her  husband, 
combined  to  make  it  necessary  for  her  to  carry  on 
his  business.  She  was  obliged  to  walk  nearly  two 
miles  every  day  to  his  store,  where  she  staid  all  day 
absorbingly  engaged  in  the  duties  of  looking  after 
the  details  of  sales,  keeping  the  books,  accounts,  etc., 
after  which  day's  work  she  walked  back  to  her  home. 

Everybody  said  Mrs.  B.  would  surely  break  down, 
but  instead  of  doing  so  she  preserved  the  most  vig- 
orous health,  and  experienced  none  of  the  sick  and 
nervous  feelings  usually  incidental  to  pregnancy. 
When  the  child  was  born,  the  extraordinary  circum- 
stance that  its  birth  was  attended  with  scarcely  any 
pain,  led  the  physician  and  the  lady  herself  to  inquire 


A  NOTED  woman's  EXPERIENCE.  97 

what  might  be  the  cause  of  such  a  happy  departure 
from  the  usual  rule. 

No  other  reason  could  be  assigned  than  the  long, 
regular  walks,  and  the  vigorous  state  of  her  bodily- 
health.  Taking  a  hint  from  these  facts,  in  all  her 
subsequent  pregnancies,  she  adopted  the  plan  of 
taking  a  large  amount  of  out-door  exercise,  and 
keeping  her  mind  occupied  by  useful  employment, 
and  in  every  succeeding  birth  the  same  happy  results 
were  obtained. 

That  she  was  engaged  in  an  absorbing  and  con- 
genial occupation,  no  doubt  had  much  to  do  with  the 
fact  that  maternity  to  her  seemed  only  one  of  the 
incidents  of  life.  She  had  no  time  to  foster  aches 
and  pains.  The  conviction  that,  by  her  business 
management,  the  support  of  the  family  was  main- 
tained during  her  husband's  illness,  inspired  her  with 
unusual  energies  and  hopes.  Could  women  uplift 
their  home  life,  realizing  the  noble  work  they  are 
accomplishing  in  their  every  day  duties,  they  would 
find  in  them  an  inspiration  which  avails  much  against 
physical  debility. 

Let  rne  prophesy  that  different  and  improved 
methods  will  be  devised  to  accomplish  woman's 
work.  The  mothers  of  the  future  will  be  less  bur- 
dened, and  at  the  same  time  achieve  more  satisfac- 
tory results  in  the  labor  performed. 

This  can  be  done,  and  the  ideal  home  preserved. 
Under  the  present  system,  many  instances  of  demor- 
alization in  domestic  life  are  in  consequence  of  the 
mother's  inability  to  fulfill  all  the  requirements  of  her 
position.  She  is  the  tie  that  holds  the  home — the 
mainspring  of  home-life.     In  the  prophesied  future, 


98  DRESS  IN  PREGNANCY. 

she  may  not  wash  all  the  dishes  and  bake  all  the 
bread,  any  more  than  she  now  does  the  spinning  and 
weaving;  yet  the  maternal  love,  life  and  instinct  will 
build  a  nest  far  more  adapted  to  successful  rearing 
of  offspring  than  is  done  under  present  conditions. 

DRESS. 

*'  Give  me  a  form,  give  me  a  face 
That  lend  simplicity  and  grace; 
Robes  loosely  flowing,  hair  as  free, — 
Such  sweet  neglect  more  taketh  me 
Than  all  the  adulteries  of  art; 
They  strike  mine  eyes,  but  not  mine  heart." 

From  first  to  last,  the  pregnant  woman's  dress 
should  be  physiological  aud  hygienic.  Perfect  free- 
dom for  every  physical  power  must  be  secured. 
What  does  this  demand?  Emphatically  looseness  and 
lightness,  as  well  as  sufficient  and  equable  warmth. 
See  to  it  that  not  one  article  of  dress  impedes,  in  the 
slightest  degree,  the  functions  of  the  body.  To 
accomplish  this,  one  must  do  away  with  bands,  bones 
and  petticoats. 

One  already  dressing  healthfully  needs  to  make 
but  little  change  for  pregnancy.  Under  all  circum- 
stances and  at  all  times,  dress  should  cause  no  re- 
striction to  respiration;  no  interference  with  diges- 
tion; no  obstruction  to  circulation.  In  pregnancy, 
furthermore,  there  should  be  no  hindrance  to  the 
development  and  elevation  of  the  uterus.  To  ac- 
complish this,  a  radical  change  must  be  made  in  the 
usual  dress  of  woman.  It  is  now  a  complete  failure 
as  far  as  fulfilling  any  useful  requirements,  and  for 
decorative  purposes  rules  of  art  are  violated. 


COMMON   SENSE   SHOES.  99 

Dr.  Trail  says,  "If  he  were  asked  what  one  agency 
stands  at  the  very  head  of  morbific  influences,  in 
causing  frailty  and  malformation,  he  should  answer 
woman^s  dress." 

The  present  movement  in  dress  reform,  or  correct 
dress,  combines  art,  health  and  utility.  One  of  the 
most  notable  features  is  that  each  lady  is  free  to 
construct  her  own  styles,  and  in  no  wise  feels  bound 
to  conform  to  fashion.  This  movement  is  wide- 
spread and  seems  to  have  a  firm  foothold  among 
women  of  all  classes. 

One  can  be  dressed  decently,  decorously,  harmoni- 
ously; yes,  even  elegantly,  and  still  commit  no  grave 
violation  against  physiological  law.  How  can 
this  be  done  .-'  What  changes  from  the  ordinary 
dress  does  this  involve  ^  Let  us  begin  at  the  foun- 
dation: 

A  common  sense  shoe  should  be  worn.  This  is^ 
constructed  upon  anatomical  principles,  allowing 
freedom  of  all  the  muscles  and  producing  no  pres- 
sure upon  the  nerves  or  blood-vessels.  The  sole  is 
as  wide  as  the  bottom  of  the  foot,  the  heel  is  little 
if  any  higher  than  the  sole.  The  curve  and  elas- 
ticity of  the  arch  and  the  freedom  of  the  toes  are 
assured. 

Many  women  suffer  from  headache,  defects  in  vis- 
ion, loss  of  voice,  indigestion,  backache,  etc.,  simply 
from  reflex  action  of  the  pressure  of  the  shoes  upon 
nerves  of  the  foot.  I  have  seen  young  girls  often  re- 
lieved of  tedious  backache,  by  following  simply,  and 
only  the  prescription  of  a  change  to  common  sense 
shoes.  An  elocutionist  of  fine  physical  development, 
weighing  at  least  170  pounds  testified  that  he  could 

1 


lOO  FASHION   IN   DEFORMITY. 

not  command  the  chest  tones  of  his  voice,  if  his  boots 
caused  the  slightest  compression  of  his  feet.  Are 
not  women's  nerves  as  tell-tale  in  their  communica- 
tions as  were  those  of  this  stalwart  man! 

Two  bright,  intelligent  young  ladies  entered  a 
very  crowded  south  side  car.  One,  with  a  scowl  of 
pain  and  fatigue  upon  her  face,  said,  "  I  do  wish 
some  gentleman  would  give  me  a  seat.  My  feet  are 
just  coming  off."  Her  companion  answered  gaily: 
"  Oh,  I  don't  care  to  sit  down.  I  can  stand  as  well 
as  any  man,  and  so  could  you  if  you  wore  common 
sense  shoes." 

Reader,  this  is  not  all  you  could  do  "as  well  as  a 
man"  if  your  feet  were  your  untrammeled  servants. 

Do  you  say  that  these  shoes  are  inelegant  and  you 
can  not  endure  them .''  No  sensible  person  can 
really  suppose  that  there  is  anything  in  itself  ugly  or 
even  unsightly  in  the  form  of  a  perfect  human  foot; 
and  yet  all  attempts  to  construct  shoes  upon  its 
model  are  constantly  met  with  the  objection  that 
something  extremely  inelegant  must  be  the  result. 
It  will  perhaps  be  a  form  to  which  the  eye  is  not  ac- 
customed; but  there  is  no  more  trite  saying  than 
the  ordinary  nature  of  fashion  in  her  dealings  with 
our  outward  appearance,  and  we  all  know  how  any- 
thing that  has  received  her  sanction  is  for  the  time 
being  considered  elegant  and  tasteful,  though  a  few 
years  later  it  may  come  to  be  looked  upon  as  posi- 
tively ridiculous. 

That  our  eye  would  soon  get  used  to  admiring  a 
different  shape  may  be  easily  proven  by  any  one  who 
will  for  a  short  time  wear  shoes  constructed  upon  a 
more  correct  principle.     The  prevailing  shoe,  sug- 


UNION  UNDERGARMENTS.  :  *0: 

gestive  of  cramped  and  atrophied  toes,  soon  becomes 
positively  painful  to  look  upon!  These  improved 
shoes  are  gradually  gaining  ground  even  in  the  fash- 
ionable world.  We  see  them  worn  by  the  best 
dressed  ladies  on  the  streets  of  our  cities.  They  are 
found  in  show  cases  and  windows  of  shoe-dealers 
who  clothe  the  feet  of  aristocracy. 

If  one  persists  in  wearing  the  customary  shoe  in 
pregnancy,  the  feet  may  swell,  and  untold  discomfort 
result.  Relief  is  frequently  obtained  at  the  expense 
of  the  husband's  slippers.  Let  him  provide  his  wife 
a  pair  of  youth's  slippers  at  least  two  sizes  larger 
than  those  she  ordinarily  wears.  This  will  save  his 
Christmas  gift  and  possibly  teach  the  wife  a  valuable 
lesson  about  common  sense  shoes. 

In  the  Unio7i  Under  Garments,  or  combination  suits, 
there  is  a  world  of  comfort  and  freedom.  No 
woman  once  adopting  these  garments,  properly  fitted, 
will  "back-slide"  to  the  old  chemise  and  drawers. 

The  chemise,  as  the  word  indicates,  is  of  Arabic 
origin.  Being  made  of  wash  material,  its  original 
intent  was  to  protect  other  clothing  from  emanations 
of  the  body.  In  its  native  country  it  is  high  necked 
and  long  sleeved.  Its  present  uncomfortable  style 
had  its  origin  with  Parisian  demi-monde.  It  constricts 
the  shoulders,  and  affords  insufficient  warmth  to  the 
arms  and  upper  part  of  the  back  and  chest.  The 
superior  portion  of  the  lungs  needs  even  more  pro- 
tection than  the  lower,  especially  on  the  back.  The 
drawers  can  never  be  so  adjusted  that  the  band  will 
allow  the  free  use  and  development  of  the  muscles 
upon  which  it  presses. 

The  union   suits   can  be   found   in   dress  reform 


102  SECURE  PERFECT  PATTERNS. 

rooms,  and  in  most  shops.  They  are  made  of  sflk, 
all  wool,  half-wool,  and  lisle  thread.  Not  being  able 
to  procure  them,  one  can  herself  readily  convert  the 
ordinary  undergarments  into  a  union  suit.  Rip  off 
the  band  from  the  drawers,  try  them  on  with  the 
the  vest,  and  adjust  them  perfectly.  Remove  the 
surplus  length  in  the  front  from  the  drawers,  and  in 
the  back  from  the  vest;  put  them  together  with  a  lap 
seam,  leaving  the  extra  fullness  of  the  drawers  in  the 
back.  In  this  way  a  satisfactory  suit  can  be  pro- 
duced. These  can  be  worn  winter  and  summer,  if 
demanded  by  the  needs  of  the  climate  or  indi- 
vidual. 

The  chemiloon  is  a  union  of  the  chemise  and  draw- 
ers. In  the  summer  this  garment  can  be  made  of 
cotton  or  linen,  and  worn  with  or  without  the  union 
under  flannels.  It  can  be  trimmed  and  embroidered 
to  one's  taste.  In  the  winter  it  should  be  of  flan- 
nel or  ladies'  cloth.  Chemiloon  patterns  can  be 
obtained  of  pattern  dealers.  Do  not  expect  that 
other  people's  patterns,  or  those  that  you  buy  will 
be  perfectly  adapted  to  you.  It  is  well  to  fit  a  suit 
from  old  material  first.  Be  sure  that  it  is  sufficiently 
long  in  the  back.  Shortness  in  the  seat  is  a  prevail- 
ing fault  with  patterns  for  sale.  Remedy  this  by 
putting  a  two  inch  fold  in  the  cloth  on  the  side, 
where  the  back  of  the  pattern  comes.  The  sleeves 
of  these  chemiloons  should  be  long,  especially  the 
flannel  for  winter.  Remember  always  that  the  com- 
fort of  these  garments  depends  upon  a  perfect  fit. 

K  princess  garment  is  a  waist  and  skirt  combined. 
This  can  be  made  of  muslin,  pongee,  or  other  wash 
silks.    For  extra  warmth  use  of  tennis  flannel.    It  can 


CORRECT  DRESS  IO3 

be  cut  from  a  polonaise  or  princess  dress  pattern,  hav- 
ing it  about  the  length  of  an  ordinary  underskirt. 

This  undergarment  can  have  eyelet  lacings  in  the  front 
darts  and  thus  make  it  adjustable  to  the  increasing 
size. 

A  princess  lining  to  a  dress  with  the  same  dart  lacings 
makes  a  convenient  maternity  gown.  The  outside  goods 
of  any  material  can  be  draped  upon  this  according  to 
taste  or  fashion. 

The  Divided  Skirt  has  become  a  popular  garment 
with  those  making  a  change  in  dress.  This  is  made 
of  pongee  or  other  wash  silks,  mohair  or  ladies* 
cloth.  It  is  cut  like  drawers,  but  has  a  width  of  44 
to  50  inches  of  goods  in  each  leg.  This  is  attached 
to  a  yoke,  instead  of  a  band,  and  cut  on  the  bias,  to 
fit  the  hips.  A  combination  of  the  Divided  Skirt 
and  Bates  Waist  makes  a  very  satisfactory  garment. 
This  is  made  by  cutting  the  front  of  the  waist  and 
the  skirt  or  drawers  in  one.  The  back  of  the  skirt 
is  cut  separate  from  the  waist,  and  made  longer  at 
the  top.  The  extra  fullness  is  put  in  at  the  hips  and 
back.  It  should  lap  about  two  inches  in  the  back. 
This  is  worn  over  a  union  suit,  and  takes  the  place  of 
all  underskirts  or  petticoats. 

Equestrian  Tights  are  now  worn  by  many  ladies  as 
a  complete  substitute  for  petticoats.  These  are 
usually  black,  and  are  woven  of  silk,  wool  and  cot- 
ton. Some  ladies  purchase  those  that  cover  the 
entire  body,  like  the  Union  Suits,  others  wear  the 
drawers  only.  They  can  be  found  in  the  prominent 
dry  goods  houses  of  our  large  cities.  With  some 
fullness  or  drapery  to  the  dress,  the  absence  of  skirts 
is  not  as  noticeable  as  one  would  suppose. 


104  THE  EMANCIPATED  WOMAN. 

The  dress  itself  is  made  on  a  princess  lining,  style 
and  drapery  being  adjusted  and  trimmed  to  suit  the 
taste  and  need  of  the  wearer. 

Clothed  in  the  above  garments,  with  the  dress 
loose  enough  for  the  performance  of  every  bodily 
function,  one  will  feel  as  if  she  had  really  broken 
chains,  or  escaped  prison  bars. 

A  tall,  noble,  brilliant,  queenly  woman  had  been  a 
great  sufferer  from  disease,  drugs,  doctors  and  dress. 
To  regain  health,  she  had  with  characteristic  en- 
ergy made  a  complete  change  in  her  garments.  No 
one  who  saw  her  will  forget  her  electrifying  expres- 
sion of  triumph  as  she  exclaimed:  "For  the  first  time 
in  my  life  I  am  an  emancipated  woman." 

Freedom  in  dress  had  given  her  freedom  to  breathe, 
live,  think,  walk  and  work.  Freedom  in  dress,  with 
physical  training,  makes  it  possible  for  every  young 
girl  to  possess  the  form  of  a  Venus  or  Minerva. 

What  is  a  test  of  the  dress  being  sufficiently 
loose.?  This  is  good:  lie  flat  upon  the  back,  and  with 
the  hips  slightly  elevated,  be  able  to  take  a  full,  deep 
and  prolonged  respiration  without  hindrance.  An- 
other is  to  hold  a  book  between  the  tips  of  the  mid- 
dle fingers,  raise  the  divms  perfectly  perpendicular  dind 
parallel  to  the  sides  of  the  head,  inflate  the  lungs, 
and  promenade  the  room.  If  this  can  be  done  easily, 
the  dress  offers  no  restraint  for  any  movement. 

By  the  ordinary  dress,  even  if  there  is  not  actually 
tight  lacing,  simply  a  snug-  Jit,  we  get  alterations  in 
the  shape  and  position  of  the  organs.  "When  it  is 
considered  that  the  organs  compressed  are  those  by 
which  the  important  functions  of  respiration,  circu- 
lation and  digestion  are  carried  on,  as  well  as  those 


CORSET  CHORUS.  10$ 

essential  to  the  proper  development  and  healthy 
growth  of  a  fetus,  it  is  no  wonder  that  people 
suffer  who  have  brought  themselves  under  such 
conditions." 

The  present  styles  afford  many  pretty  ways  for 
making  wrappers  and  snug-fitting  gowns.  In  the 
true  woman  any  morbid  sensibility  in  regard  to  ap- 
pearance will  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  great  good 
gained  for  herself  and  child  by  having  a  healthful 
dress. 

Hark!  I  hear  a  distant  murmur  of  questions. 
From  many,  these  reach  my  ear:  Are  the  garments 
you  describe  all  a  lady  is  to  wear.?  Does  she  not 
need  a  corset.-*  What  if  one  cannot  hold  herself  up 
without  a  corset.?  Will  she  wear  a  corset  under  or 
over  the  princess  waist.?  Does  a  loose  corset  do  any 
harm.?  Wouldn't  you  recommend  Madame  Foy's 
corset.?  Won't  she  be  benefited  by  a  health  (?)  corset.? 
What  about  health  reform  corsets.?  And  faster  and 
faster  the  questions  come,  until  my  ears  are  deafened 
with  corset!  corset!  corset! 

If  women  had  common  sense,  instead  oi  fashion  sense^ 
the  corset  would  not  exist.  There  are  not  words  in 
the  English  language  to  express  my  convictions  upon 
this  subject.  The  corset,  more  than  any  other  one 
thing,  is  responsible  for  woman's  being  the  victim  of 
disease  and  doctors. 

Mark  this:  that  part  of  the  body  around  which  we 
place  corset  and  bands  has  no  bony  structure  for  its 
protection.  This  very  pliability  renders  it  possible 
for  one  unconsciously  yet  easily  to  produce  a  deform- 
ity in  a  few  weeks. 

Who  can  begin  to  prophesy  the  untold  and  mani- 


I06  DEATH  RAMS  OF  CHILDREN. 

fold  sufferings  for  which  a  factory  full  of  corsets 
must  be  responsible?  And  where  is  the  end?  If  the 
wearer  only  had  to  pay  the  penalty  with  pain  and' 
weakness,  we  might  hold  our  peace. 

What  is  the  effect  upon  the  child?  One-half  of  the 
children  born  in  this  country  die  before  they  are  five 
years  of  age.  Who  can  tell  how  much  this  state  of 
things  is  due  to  the  enervation  of  maternal  life  forces 
by  this  one  instrument  of  torture? 

I  am  a  temperance  woman.  No  one  can  realize 
more  than  I  the  devastation  and  ruin  alcohol  in  its 
many  tempting  forms  has  brought  to  the  human  fam- 
ily. Still  I  solemnly  believe  that  in  weakness  and 
deterioration  of  health,  the  corset  has  more  to  answer 
for  than  intoxicating  drinks. 

What  affects  the  physical  affects  the  spiritual; 
what  affects  the  animal  life  affects  the  mental.  Given 
a  physical  body  dwarfed  and  deteriorated  in  any 
respect,  and  a  corresponding  deficiency  in  spiritual, 
intellectual  and  moral  worth  is  likely  to  exist.  Look 
at  our  men  and  women  who  have  been  grand  and 
successful  in  achievement,  noble  in  purpose,  and  vig- 
orous in  intellect.  With  few  exceptions  they  are 
men  and  women  of  harmonious,  strong,  athletic 
physiques.  Women  cannot  possibly  attain  to  this 
condition  under  the  restricting  influence  of  boned 
and  steeled  garments. 

"What  possible  harm  can  a  corset  do  if  worn 
loose?"  My  friend,  put  a  band  quilted  full  of  cords 
and  bones  upon  the  arm  of  your  active  boy,  whose 
athletic  feats  are  your  pride;  let  him  wear  it  ever  so 
loosely,  and  witness  the  deteriorating  effect  upon 
his  biceps  and  triceps  muscles!     Put  a  similar  ban- 


A  CONFIDENTIAL  INQUIRY.  10? 

dage  upon  your  pet  cat  or  dog,  Just  as  loosely  as  can 
be  retained,  and  watch  the  result  upon  respiration, 
digestion  and  circulation!  Mark  my  word,  in  less 
than  a  month  it  will  take  more  than  pepsin  to  make 
the  food  of  that  animal  digest,  or  magnetic  insoles 
to  keep  its  feet  warm. 

At  the  close  of  one  of  my  medical  conversations  a 
bright,  intelligent  young  married  woman  took  me 
aside  and  asked  me  very  confidentially  how  far  ad- 
vanced a  woman  should  be  in  pregnancy  before  she 
laid  aside  the  corset.  I  had  for  several  days  repeated 
and  reiterated  in  strongest  terms  my  convictions  that 
it  was  always  to  be  deprecated  and  never  tolerated. 
Consequently  I  was  greatly  astonished  at  the  ques- 
tion. I  replied:  "  Is  it  possible  that  with  all  these 
illustrations  and  with  all  this  strong  language  I  have 
not  made  myself  plain.?  Have  I  talked  in  vain.-*" 
Then  loud  enough  for  the  group  standing  about  to 
hear,  I  said,  "  The  corset  should  not  be  worn  for  two 
hundred  years  before  pregnancy  takes  place.  Ladies,  it 
will  take  that  time  at  least  to  overcome  the  ill 
effects  of  this  garment  which  you  think  so  essential! 

Abandoning  the  corset  entirely  and  adopting  a 
physiological  dress,  aside  from  lessening  suffering  in 
pregnancy,  goes  very  far  toward  alleviating,  yes, 
even  curing  many  of  the  diseases  peculiar  to  women. 
Once  a  woman  begins  to  think  outside  of  Fashion's 
dictum,  she  fully  thinks  herself  out  of  the  bars  of  dress. 
Once  free,  her  road  to  recovery  is  made  clear.  With 
other  common  sense  rules  of  living,  health  becomes 
restored  and  precious  life  saved. 

In  an  Iowa  college,the  professor  of  natural  history,a 
petite  lady,  became  very  enthusiastic  upon  examining 


io8  A  teacher's  story. 

some  dress  reform  goods,  and  gave  quite  a  lecture  to 
the  students  upon  their  advantages.  She  said  that  in 
her  school  days  and  first  years  of  teaching  she  could 
not  walk  over  three  blocks  without  fatigue  and  actual 
pain.  When  her  day's  work  was  done  she  was  com- 
pelled to  lie  down,  being  unable  to  see  friends  or  do 
extra  work.  Four  years  previously,  however,  she 
had  adopted  "common  sense"  shoes,  the  reform  un- 
derwear, also  a  skirt  supported  by  a  waist,  and  the 
dress  itself  made  loose  and  light,  as  well  as  short 
enough  to  clear  the  mud  in  walking.  By  this  change 
in  her  habits  she  had  become  able  to  walk  miles  in 
her  search  for  specimens,  and  knew  nothing  of  wear- 
iness or  the  necessity  of  rest,  save  the  regular  hours 
of  sleep.  This  is  not  an  exaggerated  case,  and  thou- 
sands of  delicate,  tired,  useless  girls  can  become 
strong  and  useful  if  they  will  "  go  and  do  likewise." 

Prof.  N.  H.  Flower  closes  his  admirable  work  upon 
"Fashion  in  Deformity"  with  these  valuable  thoughts: 
"  The  true  form  of  the  human  body  is  familiar  to  us 
from  classic  models.  It  is,  however,  quite  possible 
that  some  of  us  may  think  the  present  fashionable 
shape  the  more  beautiful  of  the  two.  In  that  case  it 
would  be  well  to  consider  whether  we  are  sure  our 
judgment  is  sound  on  this  subject.  Let  us  remem- 
ber that  to  the  Australian,  the  nose-peg  is  an  admired 
ornament;  that  to  the  Thlinkeet  the  Botocudos  and 
Congo  negro,  the  lip  dragged  down  by  a  heavy  plug, 
and  the  ears  distended  by  huge  disks  of  wood,  are 
things  of  beauty;  that  the  Malay  prefers  teeth  that 
are  black.  Let  us  carefully  ask  ourselves  whether  we 
are  sure  that  in  leaving  nature  as  a  standard  of  the 
beautiful,  and  adopting  a  purely  conventional  one,  we 


fowler's  clarion  note.  109 

are  not  falling  into  an  error  exactly  similar  to  that  of 
all  these  people  whose  tastes  we  are  so  ready  to  con- 
demn. The  fact  is,  that  in  admiring  such  distorted 
forms  as  the  constricted  waist  and  pointed  foot,  we 
are  opposing  our  judgment  to  the  Maker  of  our 
bodies,  we  are  neglecting  the  criterion  offered  by 
nature;  we  are  simply  putting  ourselves  on  the  level 
in  point  of  taste  with  those  Australians,  Botocudos, 
and  negroes.  We  are  taking  fashion,  and  nothing 
better,  higher  or  truer  for  our  guide,  and  may  we  not 
well  ask  with  Shakespeare:  "Seest  thou  not  what  a 
deformed  thief  this  fashion  is  ? " 

Prof.  O.  S.  Fowler,  ever  a  staunch  and  fearless  ad- 
vocate for  health  and  temperance,  only  emphasizes 
what  all  sensible  persons  must  believe: 

^^  Tight  lacuig  is  the  chief  cause  of  infantile  mortal- 
ity. That  it  inflicts  the  very  worst  forms  of  physi- 
cal ruin  on  woman  and  offspring  is  self-evident.  No 
evil  equals  that  of  curtailing  this  maternal  supply  of 
breath;  nor  does  anything  do  this  as  effectually  as 
tight  lacing.  If  it  were  merely  a  female  folly,  or  if 
its  ravages  were  confined  to  its  perpetrators,  it  might 
be  allowed  to  pass  unrebuked;  but  it  strikes  a  deadly 
blow  at  the  very  life  of  the  race.  By  girting  in  the 
lungs,  stomach,  heart  and  diaphragm,  it  cripples 
every  one  of  the  life-manufacturing  functions,  impairs 
the  circulation,  prevents  muscular  action,  and  lays 
siege  to  the  child-bearing  citadel  itself.  By  the 
want  of  abundant  maternal  vitality,  air,  exercise  and 
digestion,  is  this  practice  murderous  to  both.  It  often 
destroys  germinal  life  before  or  soon  after  birth,  by 
most  effectually  cramping,  inflaming  and  weakening 
the  vital  apparatus  and  stopping  the  flow  of  life  at  its 


V 


no  NATURAL  WAISTS  OR  NO  WIVES 

fountain-head.  It  slowly  but  surely  takes  the  lives 
of  tens  of  thousands,  and  so  effectually  weakens  and 
diseases  millions  more,  as  ultimately  to  cause  their 
untimely  death.  No  tongue  can  tell,  no  finite  mind 
conceive  the  misery  it  has  produced,  nor  the  number 
of  deaths  directly  or  indirectly  of  young  women, 
bearing  mothers,  and  weakly  infants  it  has  occa- 
sioned; besides  the  millions  on  millions  it  has  caused 
to  drag  out  a  short  but  wretched  existence.  If  this 
murderous  practice  continues  another  generation,  it 
will  bury  all  the  middle  and  upper  classes  of  women 
and  children,  and  leave  propagation  to  the  coarse- 
grained but  healthy  lower  classes.  Most  alarmingly 
has  it  already  deteriorated  our  very  race  in  physical 
strength,  power  and  constitution,  energy  and  talents. 
Let  those  who  had  rather  bury  than  raise  their  chil- 
dren marry  tight  lacers. 

"  Moralists,  Christians,  reformers,  philosophers  and 
philanthropists  of  all  sects  and  grades,  come,  let  us 
unite  in  presenting  a  frowning  front  to  this  race-ruin- 
ing practice,  and  bachelors  insist  on  nattiral  waists  or 
no  wives,  and  frown  down  a  practice  your  patronage 
imposes!  Woman  will  cease  to  lace  just  when  you 
cease  to  require  it." 

Would  it  not  gladden  the  heart  of  Prof.  Fowler  to 
see  the  present  wide-spread  movement  among  women 
for  correct  dress,  and  also  to  know  that  the  number  is 
on  the  increase  of  those  who  understand  and  realize 
their  obligations  to  posterity.  The  true  mother  is 
everywhere  to  be  found. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


HYGIENE  IN  PREGNANCY — BATHING. 

Frequent  bathing  in  pregnancy  is  of  the  great- 
est importance.  When  the  "  water  cure  "  fever  first 
ran  like  wild-fire  through  the  country,  many  were 
alarmed  lest  the  child-bearing  woman  should  do  her- 
self great  harm.  Although  the  cold  water  washing 
was  carried  to  great  excess,  few  cases  came  to  light 
where  any  one  was  injured  by  it,  while  hundreds 
bear  testimony  that  they  were  greatly  benefited. 
Relief  was  obtained  for  the  suffering  both  during 
pregnancy  and  at  confinement.  One  step  at  least 
was  taken  in  advance  which  never  can  be  retraced. 
Previous  to  that  time  women  were  actually  afraid  of 
water.  It  might  be  well  for  others,  but  tradition 
and  prejudice  taught  that  if  a  pregnant  woman 
bathed  in  cold  water,  she  ran  great  risk,  and  if  her 
hands  even  were  put  in  cold  water  after  confinement 
she  would  surely  die. 

The  "  water  cure  "  people  took  the  other  extreme. 
The  woman  doused  and  swam  the  whole  nine  months, 
and  fifteen  minutes  after  her  child  was  born,  she 
would  be  lifted  into  a  full  or  sitz-bath  of  cold  water. 
The  doctor  and  the  good  grandmother  could  not 
account  for  the  fact  that  she  survived,  save  by  attrib- 
uting it  to  some  special  providence.  Forty  years 
only  have  worked  wondrous  changes,  and  now  all 

(III) 


112  SPONGE  OR  TOWEL  BATH. 

intelligent  women  know  the  luxury  of  the  bath  in 
this  condition,  and  many  recognize  its  therapeutic 
value. 

The  processes  of  nutrition  and  waste  are  more 
active  in  the  pregnant  woman  than  in  any  other. 
Her  condition  is  more  like  that  of  a  child,  con- 
sequently she  can  bathe  more  frequently  with 
advantage. 

The  sponge  or  towel  bath,  taken  in  the  morn- 
ing two  or  three  times  a  week,  is  stimulating  and 
invigorating,  No  more  than  two  minutes  is  required 
for  this  bath.  It  should  be  taken  immediately  upon 
rising,  while  the  temperature  of  the  body  is  warm 
enough  to  insure  thorough  reaction.  The  colder  one 
can  use  the  water,  the  more  sure  the  reaction.  The 
first  few  mornings  bathe  the  upper  part  of  the  body 
only.  In  a  short  time  one  can  venture  upon  the 
whole  surface.  It  should  be  followed  by  friction 
with  a  Turkish  towel  or  coarse  mitten,  and  if  the 
person  is  not  strong,  with  rubbing  by  an  assistant. 
Then  for  five  minutes  take  deep  inspirations  of  fresh 
air,  and  the  people  are  few  who  do  not /eel £-ood after 
this  ablution.  It  is  par  excellence  the  "ounce  of 
preventive."  It  is  a  "coat  of  mail"  against  colds, 
catarrhs  and  influenzas.  To  the  pregnant  woman  it 
is  life  and  vitality,  and  atones  for  a  multitude  of 
physical  sins. 

A  man  once  wrote  that,  "by  wearing  magnetic 
appliances,  ozone  was  developed  in  the  blood." 
Whether  he  knew  what  ozone  was,  or  what  condi- 
tion the  blood  was  in  when  ozone  was  in  it,  is  not 
proven.  If,  however,  it  is  possible  to  get  a  condition 
in  which  you  feel  that  there  is  "ozone  in  the  blood," 


THE  SITZ-BATH.  II3 

it  ^  after  one  of  these  quick,  cold,  tonic,  invigorating 
berths.  My  experience  in  prescribing  it  has  proven 
that  it  is  not  debilitating,  even  when  taken  twice 
daily.  Too  many  warm  baths  may,  in  time,  reduce 
the  physical  standard.  But  simply  wetting  the  sur- 
face, with  hand,  sponge  or  towel  in  cold  water,  or, 
what  some  prefer,  dashing  cold  water  quickly  over 
the  body,  is  a  decided  tonic.  A  little  courage  and  per- 
severance is  required  to  form  the  habit — once  formed, 
few  relinquish  it.  If  no  reaction  follows,  and  the  per- 
son remains  cold,  it  should  not  be  persevered  in. 

The  SITZ-BATH  is  one  of  the  most  desirable  baths 
for  the  pregnant  woman.  A  tin  tub  made  especially 
for  this  bath  (procured  of  dealers  in  tinware),  requir- 
ing but  little  water,  ought  to  be  in  every  household. 
If  unable  to  procure  one,  a  small-sized  wash-tub  can 
be  used,  raising  one  side  on  a  block  of  wood.  Tepid 
water  is  the  most  beneficial,  unless  for  the  relief  of 
pain  or  acute  inflammation,  when  hot  water  should 
be  used.  Commence  taking  it  with  the  temperature 
at  90°  Fahrenheit,  and  gradually  reduce  it,  until, 
during  the  last  months,  it  is  as  low  as  60^.  Remain 
in  it  from  three  to  eight  minutes,  then  have  towel 
and  hand  friction,  followed  by  rest  in  the  reclining 
position,  and  sleep  if  possible.  If  it  causes  a  rush  of 
blood  to  the  head,  remain  in  for  a  less  time,  and  put 
a  wet  napkin  around  the  neck. 

From  ten  to  twelve  o'clock  in  the  morning  is  the 
best  time  to  take  this  bath.  If  one  has  not  time  to 
rest  at  this  hour,  it  can  be  taken  just  before  retiring. 
Without  the  rest,  half  the  value  is  lost.  This  bath 
is  a  tonic,  sedative,  alterative,  laxative,  diuretic,  anti- 
spasmodic, anti-periodic,  anti-phlogistic,  etc.;  indeed 


114  HOT  FOMENTATIONS. 

it  will  do  almost  anything  (iesired  to  be  done  for  the 
pregnant  woman.  It  restores  nervous  equilibrium, 
it  removes  obstructions  from  the  surface,  is  invalua- 
ble for  portal  congestion,  and  for  inflammation  of 
any  of  the  abdominal  or  pelvic  viscera.  Nothing  is 
better  for  insomnia,  facial  neuralgia,  nausea,  bilious- 
ness, constipation,  hemorrhoids,  cramps,  varicose 
veins,  weariness,  headache,  nervousness,  etc.,  etc. 

A  woman  has  omitted  the  most  effectual  remedial 
agent  for  pathological  symptoms,  if  she  has  not  tried 
this  bath;  and  not  once  only,  but  has  taken  it  every 
day,  or  twice  a  day  for  at  least  a  month.  She  may 
have  taken  any  amount  of  remedies,  may  have  used 
outside  appliances,  but  if  she  has  not  had  this  tepid 
sitz-bath,  she  has  omitted  the  very  best  and  surest 
means  of  relief.  It  cannot  do  harm,  and  it  can  do 
great  good. 

For  severe  pain  from  colic,  neuralgia  or  acute 
inflammation,  the  bath  should  be  taken  warm,  and  in 
some  instances,  quite  hot;  this  should  be  continued 
fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,protecting  the  patient  care- 
fully with  blankets,  after  which  she  should,  without 
removing  them,  lie  on  the  bed  and  rest. 

Hot  fomentations  are  usually  administered  by 
applying  to  the  affected  part  a  flannel  cloth  wrung 
out  of  simple  or  medicated  hot  water.  Some  phy- 
sicians prescribe  bags  of  hops,  tanzy,  smart-weed, etc., 
or  Indian  meal  or  flaxseed  poultice,  to  be  kept  hot 
in  a  steamer.  All  these  appliances  are  remonstrated 
against  by  patients  and  nurses.  They  are  disagreea- 
ble and  untidy.  The  bed  gets  wet  and  soiled,  the 
patient  likewise.  Moist  heat  is  wanted,  but  one  is 
more  likely  to  get  moist  cold,  which  has  a  dampen- 


HOT  FOMENTATIONS.  11$ 

ing-  effect  upon  both  body  and  mind.  The  nurse 
scalds  her  hands,  ruins  clothing,  and  execrates  the 
doctor  who  prescribed  them. 

The  very  best  method  of  making  hot  applications 
is  by  means  of  the  rubber  "  hot  water  bottle."  These 
hold  from  one  to  four  quarts,  and  can  be  readily  pro- 
cured. Boiling  water  can  be  used  in  them,  and  the 
heat  will  be  retained  many  hours.  They  are  soft, 
pliable  and  agreeable  to  the  touch,  and  adjust  them- 
selves to  every  part  of  the  body.  When  moisture  is 
desired,  place  a  wet  cloth  under  them.  No  well 
regulated  family  should  be  zvithout  a  hot  water  bottle. 

When,  however,  this  is  lacking,  there  are  several 
convenient  modes  of  making  hot  applications.  Put 
part  of  a  sheet  or  blanket  around  the  patient,  to  pro- 
tect the  bed  and  clothing.  Then  lay  a  newspaper 
upon  a  cook  stove,  or  flat  top  of  a  heating  stove. 
Wring  a  large  flannel  cloth  dry  as  possible  out  of 
cold  or  tepid  water.  Lay  it  between  the  folds  of  the 
paper,  and  it  will  soon  steam  hotter  than  can  be. 
handled.  Take  it  to  the  patient  and  place  it  under- 
neath the  sheet,  in  contact  with  the  body.  Have 
another  cloth  heating,  to  take  the  place  of  this  one 
when  it  ceases  to  be  hot.  The  moist  cloth  can  also 
be  kept  hot  by  putting  it  on  a  tin  plate  which  is  in 
the  oven  or  on  top  of  a  stove.  The  virtue  of  a 
fomentation  is  in  the  heat,  and  it  must  be  kept  hot. 

Another  still  more  simple  method,  desirable  where 
the  patient  must  wait  upon  herself,  is  to  place  over 
the  part  affected  a  cloth  wrung  from  warm  water; 
then  lay  over  it  a  hot  stove  lid,  wrapped  securely  in 
paper.  This  will  retain  heat  for  a  long  time,  and 
gives  the  patient  opportunity  for  rest. 


Il6  THE  COLD   COMPRESS. 

The  hot  fomentation  is  a  valuable  remedial 
agent.  It  is  rare  to  find  acute  suffering,  where  it  is 
not  indicated.  It  alleviates  neuralgia  and  rheumatic 
pain.  It  is  good  for  biliousness,  constipation  and  tor- 
pid liver.  It  relieves  colic  and  flatulence,  and  is  of 
special  value  in  menstrual  pain  or  suppression. 
Thoroughly  applied,  acute  diseases  may  be  arrested 
without  other  aids. 

The  precautions  that  must  be  taken  in  using  hot 
fomentations,  especially  if  moist,  is  to  have  them  hot 
and  keep  them  hot  while  they  are  continued.  When 
removed,  replace  them  with  dry  flannel  or  bathe  the 
part  in  tepid  water,  rub  dry  and  put  on  the  ordinary 
clothing.  The  latter  is  desirable  when  used  in  chronic 
affections.  In  acute  attacks,  especially  of  inflamma- 
tion, it  is  well  to  follow  or  alternate  with  a  compress 
from  cold  water.  Don't  use  paregoric,  Dover's  pow- 
ders, morphine,  or  even  a  homeopathic  preparation 
until  you  have  tried  thoroughly  the  hot  fomentation. 
Remember  that  when  you  get  relief  from  an  applica- 
tion like  this  you  will  not  suffer  from  the  poisonous 
effects  of  drugs.  You  rally  more  quickly,  and  are 
not  as  liable  to  another  attack,  for  nature  has  had  a 
better  opportunity  to  throw  off  diseased  conditions. 

The  cold  compress  is  a  convenient,  safe,  desir- 
able and  effectual  domestic  remedy.  Like  the  fo- 
mentation, it  requires  knowledge  and  skill  in  its  ap- 
plication. Take  a  worn  linen  towel,  wring  dry  from 
cold  water,  apply  to  the  affected  part,  then  cover 
well  with  several  thicknesses  of  flannel,  securely 
excluding  the  air.  Reaction  soon  follows,  warmth 
ensues,  and  the  same  or  better  result  is  obtained  than 
from  a  poultice.     It  can  remain  on  one  or  two  hours 


A  COMPRESS  IN  CROUP.  11/ 

or  else  all  night.     Should   always  be  followed  witn 
thorough  bathing  in  cold  water  and  friction. 

This  compress  must  not  be  wet  in  warm  water.  In 
that  case  it  grows  cold  and  keeps  cold.  If  wet  in  cold 
water,  the  colder  the  better,  it  sends  the  blood  from 
the  surface,  and  the  reaction  causes  it  to  get  warm  and 
keep  warm.  To  make  it  subserve  its  purpose  these 
three  rules  must  be  observed. 

1.  Wring  from  cold  water. 

2.  Wring  dry. 

3.  Cover  thoroughly  with  flannel. 

The  compress  should  never  be  continued  where 
warmth  and  reaction  can  not  be  obtained.  In  per- 
sons with  a  cold  surface  and  a  sluggish  circulation  it 
is  well  to  precede  it  for  half  an  hour  with  a  hot 
fomentation. 

The  compress  is  oeneficial  both  for  acute  and 
chronic  inflammations.  In  sore  throats,  croup,  bron- 
chitis and  inflammation  of  the  lungs  it  is  invaluable. 
Many  persons  use  no  other  means  for  croup,  wring- 
ing the  cloth  from  ice-cold  water.  In  inflammation 
of  the  abdominal  and  pelvic  viscera  it  is  equally 
good.  In  pregnancy,  if  there  is  irritation  in  the 
stomach,  congestion  of  the  liver,  constipation  or  dis- 
tress of  the  bowels,  accompanied  by  heat,  the  com- 
press in  these  regions  will  be  beneficial 

The  heat  and  dull  aching  pain  in  the  back,  that  is 
so  often  complained  of,  is  the  result  of  some  irritation 
in  the  uterus.  The  compress  worn  at  night  or  when 
taking  the  daily  rest,  will  give  great  relief.  It  can 
simply  be  put  across  the  back,  or  may  extend  entirely 
around  the  abdomen.  The  frequency  and  length  of 
time  continued  must  depend  upon  the  case. 


Il8  THE   TURKISH   BATH. 

The  FOOT  and  leg  baths  are  good  derivative 
appliances.  Taken  warm  they  will  relieve  nervous- 
ness, sleeplessness  and  irritability. 

For  habitual  cold  feet  there  is  no  better  remedy 
than  bathing  the  feet  in  cold  water  at  bed-time. 
Have  everything  ready  for  retiring.  In  the  foot-tub 
put  three-fourths  of  an  inch  of  cold  water.  Hold 
the  feet  in  that  half  a  minute.  Then  dry  with  coarse 
towel  and  spat  them  well  with  the  hand.  The  reac- 
tion gives  warm  feet  for  the  night,  and  if  persisted 
in  for  three  or  four  weeks,  habitual  cold  feet  are 
often  cured. 

The  TURKISH  or  thermal  bath  affords  one  of 
the  best,  surest  and  safest  sanative  and  therapeutic 
agents  known  to  medical  science.  In  a  well-ap- 
pointed establishment  for  this  bath,  the  subject 
enters  a  room  heated  from  130*^  to  160'*  Fahrenheit; 
remains  there  until  copious  perspiration  is  induced. 
He  is  then  taken  to  a  room,  temperature  about  90° 
deg.,  where  he  is  laid  upon  a  slab  or  table  and  thor- 
oughly shampooed  with  soap  and  water.  This  is 
followed  by  a  spray,  douche,  shower  or  plunge  bath; 
then  he  is  dried  and  thoroughly  manipulated  by  an 
attendant,  after  which  he  lies  upon  a  couch  from 
half  to  one  hour  to  cool  and  rest.  This  bath  is  an 
expensive  luxury,  and  not  within  the  reach  of  rich  or 
poor  in  any  but  our  larger  towns  and  cities. 

A  TURKISH  OR  thermal  BATH  AT  HOME,  with  a 
simple  and  inexpensive  apparatus,  has  equal  value  as 
a  hygienic  or  therapeutic  agent.  Any  woman  with 
ordinary  common  or  nurse  sense  can  give  these  baths 
satisfactorily  by  observing  the  following  directions: 

Take  a  chair  with  a  wooden  seat,  an  armed  office 


THERMAL  BATH   AT  HOME.  II9 

chair  preferable,  place  in  it  a  piece  of  flannel  blanket 
so  folded  that  it  will  fall  down  in  front;  under  the  chair 
put  a  coffee  cup  one-third  filled  with  alcohol.  If  any 
other  vessel  is  used,  be  sure  the  opening  is  no  larger 
than  a  cup,  as  this  gives  sufficient  surface  for  the  com- 
bustion of  the  amount  of  alcohol;  have  a  foot  tub 
in  front  of  the  chair,  with  warm  water  for  the  feet. 

The  patient  is  seated  in  nature's  raiments  only,  or 
as  Mark  Twain  says,  "in  her  complexion,"  enveloped 
closely  in  woolen  blankets.  One  of  these  is  put  over 
her  in  front  and  the  other  at  the  back,  outside  of  the 
chair.  After  she  is  seated  and  covered,  light  the 
alcohol  with  a  taper.  Don't  risk  burning  yourself  by 
using  a  match.  The  subject  will  begin  co  perspire 
in  from  three  to  five  minutes.  If  blood  rushes  to  the 
head,  giving  a  red  face  and  feeling  of  fullness  in  the 
brain,  put  a  napkin  round  the  neck,  wrung  from  tepid 
water.  This  is  better  than  wetting  the  head,  and  it 
has  the  advantage  of  not  taking  the  "  crimp  "  out  of 
her  hair. 

If  she  is  faint  or  sick  at  the  stomach,  as  one  may 
be  with  the  first  bath,  or  very  bilious,  let  her  drink 
copiously  of  hot  water  or  very  weak  ginger  tea.  If 
the  perspiration  is  slow  in  starting,  or  if  the  heat  is 
excessive,  the  surface  may  be  bathed  with  a  sponge 
dipped  in  cold  water.  Let  her  remain  fifteen  to 
twenty  minutes,  or  longer  if  necessary,  to  induce 
copious  perspiration.  She  can  then  be  bathed  and 
rubbed  sitting  in  the  chair.  If  weak,  or  if  longer 
perspiration  is  desired,  let  her  lie  upon  bed  or  couch 
enveloped  in  the  blankets,  where  she  can  be  bathed 
under  cover  if  necessary.  Let  the  manipulation  be 
thorough.   Squeeze,  press  and  pinch  every  muscle  in 


I20  USES  OF  THE  THERMAL  BATH. 

the  body  and  spat  the  surface  with  the  ends  of  the 
fingers,  having  the  wrist  free.  Using  the  entire  arm 
and  palm  of  the  hand  makes  hard  work,  and  does 
not  give  give  good  results.  If  the  attendant  is  mag- 
netic, the  fingers  cause  tingling,  like  hundreds  of 
needles.  Let  the  patient  lie  for  an  hour  after  this 
treatment  to  rest,  cool  and  sleep. 

How  readily  and  easily  this  luxury  and  remedial 
agent  can  be  carried  into  every  home!  The  appara- 
tus required  is  simply  a  wooden-seated  chair,  two  and 
a  fraction  woolen  blankets,  an  old  cup,  a  foot  tub  and 
five  cents'  worth  of  alcohol. 

This  bath  should  be  taken  at  least  two  hours  after 
eating.  If  taken  sooner,  it  is  nearly  impossible  to  in- 
duce perspiration,  besides  interfering  with  digestion. 
For  invalids,  the  preferable  time  is  about  ten  or 
eleven  in  the  forenoon.  The  business  man  or  woman 
can  take  it  upon  rising  in  the  morning,  or  just  before 
retiring.  If  necessary,  one  can  go  out  immediately 
after  the  bath.  There  is  no  danger  of  taking  cold  \i 
one  is  bathed  in  cold  or  tepid  water,  and  has 
thorough  massage. 

As  a  sanative  measure  the  Thermal  Bath  can  be 
taken  at  least  once  a  week;  for  diseases,  the  fre- 
quency depends  upon  the  case. 

It  is  not  weakening.  Invalids,  unable  to  sit  up, 
gain  strength  with  the  daily  use  of  this  bath.  In  the 
first  renovating  process  that  is  induced,  one  may  have 
a  se7tse  of  weakness  or  faintness,  similar  to  the  effects 
of  medicine  that  rouses  up  the  vital  functions,  but 
the  cases  are  rare  that  this  does  not  pass  off  in  a  few 
hours,  leaving  a  corresponding  gain.  The  Thermal 
Bath  is  valuable  in  health  and  disease. 


DISEASES  CURED  BY  THE  THERMAL  BATH.      121 

1.  It  cleanses  and  promotes  the  healthy  action  of 
the  skin  as  no  other  bath  can  do,  thus  relieving  the 
other  excretory  organs. 

2.  It  equalizes  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and 
removes  all  local  congestions  of  any  and  every  part, 
which  is  one  of  the  most  important  things  to  be 
accomplished  in  the  treatmerA  of  diseased  conditions. 

3.  It  is  the  quickest,  e^^'iiest  and  most  effectual 
means  known  to  man  for  purifying  the  blood.  It 
literally  washes  the  blood  of  its  impurities.  The 
patient  drinks  pure  water,  it  is  absorbed,  passes  into 
and  mingles  with  the  Wood,  by  which  it  is  carried  to 
the  capillary  net-wo/.<  of  the  skin  and  poured  upon 
the  surface  in  the  frrm  of  perspiration;  not  pure  as 
when  it  was  take.),  into  the  stomach,  but  mingled 
with  the  impurities  of  the  blood.  If  this  were  its 
only  use,  the  Thermal  Bath  would  be  invaluable. 

4.  It  soothe.*;  and  tranquilizes  the  nervous  sys- 
tem, sweeps  the  cobwebs  of  care  from  the  brain, 
leaving  it  clear  and  refreshed. 

The  Thernyal  Bath  is  specially  useful  in  the  treat- 
ment of  ?M  diseases  arising  from  impurity  of  the 
blood,  irvactivity  of  the  skin,  local  inflammations,  or 
unbalanced  nervous  action.  It  is  invaluable  for  Drug 
Poisoning,  Scrofula,  Consumption,  Diseases  of  the 
Skin,  Dropsy,  Remittent  and  Intermittent  Fevers, 
Coughs,  Colds,  Catarrh,  Croup,  Gout,  Rheumatism, 
Neuralgia,  Diseases  of  the  Liver  and  Kidneys,  Bron- 
chitis, Chronic  Diarrhea,  etc. 

The  THERMAL  BATH  will  break  up  a  cold  in  its 
first  stages,  and  at  any  time  it  will  give  certain  alle- 
viation. For  ague  it  should  be  taken  about  the  time 
the  chill  is  anticipated,  and  given  thoroughly.     The 


122  EMINENT  TESTIMONIALS. 

cases  are  rare  that  will  resist  the  third  or  fourth 
bath,  using  no  other  means. 

In  chronic  rheumatism  it  has  no  equal  in  thera- 
peutics. For  this  it  can  be  taken  every  day.  Some 
have  taken  twice  a  day  with  benefit.  Cases  long 
resisting  all  other  methods  of  treatment  have  been 
entirely  cured  by  this  bath. 

Most  eruptive  diseases  are  helped  by  it.  A  lady 
had  salt-rheum  all  over  her  body.  A  ten-cent  piece 
could  not  be  laid  on  a  spot  free  from  eruption.  She 
took  these  baths  daily  for  three  months,  without  any 
other  remedy,  and  cured  herself.  She  gained  in 
strength,  flesh  and  appetite,  and  besides,  found  her- 
self freed  from  many  minor  ailments. 

The  Thermal  bath  is  valuable  in  pregnancy,  when 
there  is  dryness  of  the  skin,  coldness  of  the  surface, 
with  sensitiveness  to  cold.  If  the  pregnant  woman 
has  any  of  the  diseases  mentioned  above,  she  will 
find  this  bath  just  as  efficacious  as  If  she  was  not 
enciente.  She  should  have  a  good,  skillful  attendant, 
and  take  ample  time  to  rest  after  it.  Do  not  fear 
disastrous  results.  Ladies  have  taken  them  once  or 
twice  a  week  during  the  entire  pregnancy  with 
benefit.  The  following  testimonials  only  emphasize 
what  they  have  written. 

They  purify  and  invigorate. — D.  Wark^  M.  D. 

Unsurpassed,  as  combining  luxury  and  utility. — 
R.  M.  Lackey,  M.  D. 

The  Turks  have  always  considered  the  public 
baths  of  Constantinople  as  supplying  the  place  of  a 
certain  number  of  hospitals,  which  would  otherwise 
have  to  be  built. — Dr.  Haughtott. 

Ladies,  note  this:   The  use  of  the  Turkish  bath 


EMINENT  TESTIMONIALS.  1 23 

renders  the  complexion  more  delicate  and  brilliant — 
the  eye  becomes  clearer  and  brighter — the  whole 
person  is  rendered  fragrant,  and  all  personal  charms 
are  enhanced. — Dr,  Barter. 

After  a  day  of  labor  and  care,  which  had  quite 
exhausted  me,  I  have  just  taken  one  of  the  Turkish 
baths,  and  come  out  feeling  as  completely  rested  as 
when  I  arose  from  my  bed  in  the  morning — in  short, 
as  good  as  new. — L.  H.  Thomas^  M.  D. 

The  only  sure  cure  for  a  cold  is  the  Turkish  bath. 
It  opens  the  pores  and  starts  the  system  afresh  into 
working  order.  I  cheerfully  commend  it,  even  to 
persons  in  good  health,  as  the  best  means  to  keep 
the  secretions  healthy. — Dr.  D.  F.  Clinton. 

Rely  upon  it,  it  is  the  ne  plus  ultra  of  baths. — Dr, 
J.  E.  Westervelt. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


HYGIENE  IN  PREGNANCY — DIET. 

Proper  food  in  pregnancy  is  not  more  necessary 
for  health  and  strength  of  the  mother,  than  for  giv- 
ing normal  development  to  the  child.  If  the  food 
does  not  afford  suitable  nourishment,  or  is  not  prop- 
erly assimilated,  pathological  conditions  inevitably 
result.  Besides,  few  have  learned  that  the  kind  of 
nutriment  taken  has  much  to  do  with  the  ease  or 
severity  of  labor. 

The  food  of  the  pregnant  woman  should  consist  of 
articles  that  are  nutritious,  but  not  stimulating  or 
heating  to  the  blood.  It  should  be  eaten  at  regular 
intervals  and  under  favorable  conditions. 

An  important  matter  is  to  avoid  fluids  while  eating. 
Liquid,  taken  into  the  stomach,  must  be  removed  by 
absorbents  before  the  gastric  fluid  can  be  secreted  to 
dissolve  the  food  and  convert  it  into  chyle.  A  strong, 
healthy  stomach  may  perform  both  processes  easily. 
One  weakened  by  dyspepsia  or  the  reflex  action  in 
pregnancy  may  not  be  able  to  accomplish  this  double 
duty;  consequently  very  much  is  gained  by  taking 
the  food  dry.  Drink,  if  there  is  thirst,  half  an  hour 
before  a  meal,  and  not  within  three  hours  after.  Eat 
less  salt  and  there  will  be  less  thirst. 

Avoid  all  condiments,  and  for  the  most  part  fats 
and  sweets.    The  two  latter  are  pure  carbon,  therefore 

(124) 


CHOICE   OF   FOODS.  I25 

cause  and  increase  febrile  conditions.  Sufficient  car- 
bon can  be  obtained  in  the  farinaceous  food.  Lean 
meats,  the  very  best  beef,  mutton  boiled,  roasted  or 
smothered,  cooked  quickly  and  rare,  and  wild  game 
may  be  eaten  by  some  without  injury.  But  owing 
to  their  stimulating  elements,  and  their  effects  upon 
the  formation  of  character,  parents  desiring  to  give 
the  world  the  best  reproduction  of  themselves  will 
avoid  the  use  of  animal  food. 

A  woman  has  for  her  diet  a  choice  from  all  the 
grains,  all  the  vegetables  and  all  the  fruits.  When  a 
working  animal  thrives  and  retains  its  strength  upon 
two  articles  only,  viz.,  corn  and  straw  or  oats  and 
hay,  can  not  the  human  make  a  bill  of  fare  of  suffi- 
cient variety  to  please  the  most  fastidious  out  of  all 
the  grains,  fruits  and  vegetables.''  If  foods  were 
ordinarily  chosen  to  supply  the  needs  of  wasted 
tissues  rather  than  to  pander  to  perverted  and  capri- 
cious appetites,  there  would  be  less  necessity  of  a 
special  diet  for  pregnancy. 

Physiologists  have  within  a  few  years  advanced 
the  theory  that  if  a  pregnant  woman  avoids  food 
rich  in  elements  that  nourish  and  develop  bone,  labor 
would  be  comparatively  easy  and  painless.  This 
theory  was  first  made  known  in  a  small  pamphlet 
published  in  England  in  1841.  It  was  written  by 
Mr.  Rowbotham,  a  practical  chemist  of  London. 
His  wife  had  been  such  a  sufferer  in  two  confine- 
ments that  he  had  reason  to  fear  she  would  not  sur- 
vive the  third.  The  work  gives  an  account  of  an 
experiment  which  met  with  such  favorable  results 
that  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  publish  it  for  the  benefit 
of  others.     His  theory  was  that  "  in  proportion  as  a 


126  FRUIT  DIET  THEORY. 

woman  subsists  during  pregnancy  upon  aliment  that 
is  free  from  earthy  and  bony  matter,  will  she  avoid 
pain  and  danger  in  delivery;  hence  the  more  ripe 
fruit,  acid  fruit  in  particular,  and  the  less  of  other 
kinds  of  food,  but  particularly  of  bread  or  pastry  of 
any  kind  is  consumed,  the  less  will  be  the  danger 
and  suffering  in  childbirth. 

"The  subject  of  this  experiment  had,  within  three 
years,  given  birth  to  two  children;  and  not  only 
suffered  extremely  in  the  parturition,  but  for  two  or 
three  months  previous  to  delivery  her  general  health 
was  very  indifferent,  her  lower  extremities  exceed- 
ingly swelled  and  painful;  the  veins  so  full  and 
prominent  as  to  be  almost  bursting;  in  fact  to  pre- 
vent such  a  catastrophe,  bandages  had  to  be  applied; 
and  for  the  last  few  weeks  of  gestation,  her  size  and 
weight  were  such  as  to  prevent  her  attending  to  her 
usual  duties.  She  had  on  this  occasion,  two  years 
and  a  half  after  her  last  delivery,  advanced //^//.y^z^^w 
months  in  pregnancy  before  she  commenced  the  ex- 
periment at  her  husband's  earnest  instance;  her  legs 
and  feet  were,  as  before,  considerably  swelled;  the 
veins  distended  and  knotty,  and  her  health  dimin- 
ishing. 

"She  began  the  experiment  in  the  first  week  of 
January,  1841.  She  commenced  by  eating  an  apple 
and  an  orange  the  first  thing  in  the  morning,  and 
again  at  night.  This  was  continued  for  about  four 
days,  when  she  took  just  before  breakfast,  in  addition 
to  the  apple  and  orange,  the  juice  of  a  lemon  mixed 
with  sugar,  and  at  breakfast  two  or  three  roasted 
apples,  taking  a  very  small  quantity  of  her  usual  food, 
viz,,  wheatea  bread  and  butter.   During  the  forenoon 


MRS.   ROWBOTHAM'S  EXPERIENCE.  12/ 

she  took  an  orange  or  two,  and  an  apple.  For  dinner 
took  fish  or  flesh  in  a  small  quantity,  and  potatoes, 
greens  and  apples,  the  apples  sometimes  peeled  and 
cut  into  pieces;  sometimes  boiled  whole  with  the 
potatoes;  sometimes  roasted  before  the  fire  and 
afterward  mixed  with  sugar.  In  the  afternoon  she 
sucked  an  orange  or  ate  an  apple  or  some  grapes, 
and  always  took  some  lemon-juice  mixed  with 
sugar  or  treacle. 

"At  first  the  fruits  acted  strongly  on  the  stomach 
and  intestines,  but  this  soon  ceased,  and  she  could 
take  several  lemons  without  inconvenience.  For 
supper  she  again  had  roasted  apples  or  a  few  oranges, 
and  rice  or  sago  boiled  in  milk;  sometimes  the  apples 
peeled  and  cored,  were  boiled  along  with  the  rice  or 
sago.  On  several  occasions  she  took  for  supper 
apples  and  raisins,  or  figs  with  an  orange  cut  among 
them,  and  sometimes  all  stewed  together.  Two  or 
three  times  a  week  she  took  a  tablespoonful  of  a 
mixture  made  of  the  juice  of  two  oranges,  one  lemon, 
half  a  pound  of  grapes,  and  a  quarter  of  a  pound  of 
sugar  or  treacle.  The  sugar  or  treacle  served  mainly 
to  cover  the  taste  of  the  acids,  but  all  saccharine 
matter  is  very  nutritious.  The  object  in  giving  the 
acids  was  to  dissolve  as  much  as  possible  the  earthy 
or  bony  matter  which  she  had  taken  with  her  food 
in  the  first  seven  months  of  her  pregnancy. 

"She  continued  this  course  for  six  weeks,  when  to 
her  surprise  a7id  satisfaction,  the  swelled  and  prominent 
state  of  the  veinSyw\{\z\v  existed  before  she  began  this 
regimen,  had  entirely  subsided;  her  legs  and  feet,which 
were  also  swelled  considerably,  had  returned  to  their 
former  state;  and  she  became  so  light  and  active  she 


128  DISTRESSING  SYMPTOMS  RELIEVED. 

could  run  up  and  down  a  flight  of  twenty  stairs,  with 
more  ease  than  before  she  was  pregnant.  Her  health 
became  unwontedly  excellent,  and  scarcely  an  ache 
or  a  pain  affected  her  up  to  the  night  of  her  delivery. 
Even  her  breasts,  which  at  the  time  she  commenced 
the  experiment,  as  well  as  during  her  former  preg- 
nancies, were  sore  and  tender,  became  entirely  free 
from  pain,  and  remained  in  the  very  best  condition 
after  delivery  and  during  nursing." 

It  is  evident  Mr.  Rowbotham  obtained  more  than 
he  anticipated  for  his  wife.  He  had  only  expected 
to  arrest  or  decrease  the  development  of  bone,  but  by 
eating  so  largely  of  acid  fruits,  the  inflammatory  or 
"bilious"  condition  was  overcome.  The  oxygen  of 
the  acids  united  with  the  excess  of  carbon  previously 
taken,  thus  relieved  the  pathological  symptoms  under 
which  she  was  suffering.  It  is  doubtful  whether  the 
final  favorable  results  would  have  been  attained  had 
this  not  been  the  case,  as  prolonged  suffering  often 
accompanies  a  premature  labor,  even  when  there  is 
little  osseous  development.  The  fact  that  Mrs.  R.'s 
general  health  vi^as  so  much  improved  adds  to  the  in- 
terest and  importance  of  the  experiment. 

He  continues:  "At  nine  o'clock  A.M.,  after  having 
cleaned  her  apartments,  she  was  in  the  yard  shaking 
a  carpet,  which  she  did  with  as  much  ease  as  anyone 
else  could  have  done.  At  half-past  ten  she  said  she 
believed  her  *  time  was  come,'  and  the  accoucheur 
was  sent  for.  At  one  o'clock  the  child  was  born, 
and  the  surgeon  had  left  the  room.  He  knew  nothing 
of  the  experiment  being  made,  but  on  being  asked 
on  paper  by  the  husband  two  days  afterward  if  he 
could  'pronounce  it  as  safe  and  as  easy  a  delivery  as 


RAPID  CONVALESCENCE.  1 29 

he  generally  met  with,'  he  replied  on  paper:  *  1 
hereby  testify  that  I  attended  Mrs.  Rowbotham  on 
the  3d  inst.,  and  that  she  had  a  safe  labor  and  more 
easy  than  I  generally  meet  with.'  On  his  asking  the 
midwife  if  she  thought  it  as  easy  as  usual,  she  re- 
plied: 'Why,  I  should  say  that  a  more  easy  labor  I 
never  witnessed — I  never  saw  such  a  thing,  and  I 
have  been  at  a  great  many  labors  in  my  time!  ' 

"  The  child,  a  boy,  was  finely  proportioned  and  ex- 
ceedingly soft,  his  bones  resemblUig  gristle.  He  be- 
came of  large  size  and  very  graceful,  athletic  and 
strong  as  he  grew  up.  The  diet  of  his  mother  was 
immediately  changed,  and  she  ate  bread  and  milk 
and  all  articles  of  food  in  which  phosphate  of  lime 
is  to  be  found,  and  which  had  been  left  out  before. 
She  also  got  up  from  her  confinement  immediately 
and  well.  After  her  previous  delivery,  July,  1838, 
full  ten  days  elapsed  before  she  could  leave  her  bed, 
and  then  she  swooned  at  the  first  attempt;  on  this 
occasion,  March,  1841,  she  left  her  bed  the  fourth 
day,  and  not  only  washed,  but  partly  dressed  herself. 
Had  she  not  been  influenced  by  custom  and  also 
been  somewhat  timid,  she  might  have  done  so  sooner. 
To  be  assisted  appeared  like  a  burlesque  to  her,  not 
to  say  annoyance.  She  had  no  assistance  from 
medicine. 

"D,ir.*-  "  forrr.'—  ^gnancies,she  had  subsisted  very 
muc'  -,*v.dd,  puddings,  pies,  and  all  kinds  of  pas- 

try, having  an  idea  that  solid  food  of  this  kind  was 
necessary  to  support  the  fetus.  Nutritious  food  can 
be  had  without  this  hard  and  bony  element,  which  is 
so  large  an  ingredient  of  wheaten  flour.  Sago,  tap- 
ioca, rice,  etc.,  have  little  of  it." 


I30  THEORY  TESTED. 

This  is  a  remarkable  case,  indeed,  in  some  respects 
seems  almost  incredible.  The  theory  expounded 
certainly  deserves  consideration.  If  there  is  any 
reasonable  method  by  which  the  throes  of  parturi- 
tion can  be  mitigated,  women  want  to  and  ought  to 
know  it. 

I  have  tested  this  theory  thoroughly,  and  know 
many  physicians  who  have  instructed  their  patients 
accordingly.  For  a  number  of  years  I  have  been 
teaching  it  to  women  in  conversations,  and  have  many 
testimonials  of  good  results.  One  commencing  to 
practice  this  method  at  the  beginning  of  pregnancy 
need  not  eat  so  plentifully  of  the  fruit  as  did  Mrs.  R. 

A  woman  who,  all  her  life,  has  violated  natural 
laws,  and  consequently  has  been  an  invalid,  is  dis- 
eased by  deleterious  diet  and  deformed  by  unnatural 
modes  of  dress,  can  not  expect  to  have  a  perfectly 
painless  labor.  Even  such  can,  however,  do  much  to 
mitigate  her  suffering  by  fidelity  to  these  teachings. 
Like  Mrs.  R,,  comfort,  health,  strength  and  vivacity 
can  be  obtained  during  pregnancy,  and  the  agony  of 
parturition,  that  usually  continues  from  twenty-four 
to  forty-eight  hours,  can  be  reduced  both  in  dura- 
tion and  violence.  The  consequence  will  be  a  speedy 
restoration  of  the  organs  to  a  normal  condition. 

'"or  further  proof  of  this  theory,  the  reader's 
attention  is  called  to  the  following  notable  expe- 
rience: A  Mrs.  W.,  the  wife  of  a  prominent  judge, 
in  the  northern  part  of  Michigan,  is  a  woman  of  fine 
physique  and  apparently  robust  health.  She  is  the 
mother  of  four  children.  With  the  first  three,  she 
suffered  prolonged  and  agonizing  labor,  lasting  in 
the  expulsive  stage  from  thirty  to  fifty  hours.     Be- 


GAIN  TO     THE   CHILD  I31 

coming  pregnant  again,  her  heart  was  filled  with  ter- 
ror lest  she  should  not  survive  the  ordeal.  She  was 
four  months  advanced  in  pregnancy  when  she  be- 
came acquainted  with  the  "  fruit  diet  "  theory,  and 
lived  accordingly,  subsisting  almost  entirely  upon 
fruits,  rice  and  vegetables. 

Her  health  became  unusually  good.  The  pains, 
aches  and  discomforts  she  had  experienced  during 
the  last  months  of  previous  pregnancies  were  en- 
tirely wanting.  The  time  of  delivery  had  arrived. 
At  five  o'clock  in  the  morning  she  was  suddenly 
awakened  with  a  severe  cramp  in  her  limbs.  She 
arose  and  walked  the  floor  without  relief.  Return- 
ing to  the  bed,  she  obtained  ease  by  applications  of 
warmth  and  friction. 

She  fell  into  a  quiet  sleep,  which  lasted,  perhaps, 
half  an  hour.  From  this  she  was  awakened  by  a 
labor  pain.  The  doctor  was  hastily  summoned,  and 
although  he  lived  across  the  street  and  came  at  once, 
the  child  was  born  before  his  arrival.  This  occurred 
before  seven  o'clock,  less  than  two  hours  from  the 
time  she  was  awakened  with  the  cramps.  She  avers 
that  the  effort  that  expelled  the  child  could  not  be 
called  a  pain,  only  a  sense  of  discomfort,  or  of  con- 
tinued pressure.  Her  child  is  now  three  years  old, 
is  unusually  healthy  and  robust.  The  bones  were 
pliable  at  birth,  but  soon  solidified.  When  it  is 
known  that  many  of  the  bones  of  the  human  body 
under  any  circumstances  are  not  fully  ossified  until 
about  the  20th  year,  it  need  be  no  source  of  uneasi- 
I  ess  that  the  osseous  structure  is  more  than  usually 
f\iable  at  birth.  In  most  cases  the  gain  for  the 
child  is  as  great  as  for  the  mother. 

9 


132  INTERESTING  TESTIMONY. 

Mrs.  K.  with  her  first  child  had  the  usual  three 
months  of  "morning  sickness,"  which,  in  her  case, 
continued  the  entire  day.  She  suffered  fearfully 
from  bloating  and  lameness,  so  much  so  that  she  was 
unable  to  leave  the  house  during  the  last  weeks  of 
gestation.  She  bathed  in  warm  water  only  frequently 
enough  to  answer  the  demands  of  cleanliness.  Her 
labor  was  both  severe  and  prolonged.  She  had  con- 
vulsions, and  after  forty-eight  hours  of  agony  the 
child  was  removed  with  instruments.  Her  confine- 
ment was  followed  by  broken  breasts,  metritis  and 
cellulitis,  and  she  was  unable  to  sit  up  a  moment 
until  the  child  was  five  weeks  old. 

With  her  second  child  she  bathed  freely  in  cold 
water  and  lived  upon  the  "fruit  and  rice  diet.  She 
had  no  morning  sickness,  no  heartburn,  no  neuralgia, 
and  scarcely  any  bloating  or  lameness.  It  may  be 
said  that  the  child  was  born  without  any  labor  as  she 
had  no  setisation  of  pain.  She  had  slept  unusually  well, 
awakened  about  three  o'clock  with  the  "breaking  of 
the  waters,"  called  her  husband,  who  sprang  from  the 
bed,  but  could  not  get  dressed  to  call  her  mother 
who  was  upstairs,  before  the  lusty  cry  of  the  little 
stranger  pressed  him  into  the  work  of  an  amateur 
accoucheur.  She  used  cold  water  freely  after  her 
confinement,  and  had  no  gathered  breasts,  no  inflam- 
mation, or  trouble  of  any  kind.  Felt  able  to  get 
about  the  house  the  following  day;  seemed  quite  ab- 
surd to  lie  in  bed.  She  speaks  of  it  joyfully  as  one 
of  the  greatest  triumphs  of  her  life,  and  preaches  the 
doctrine  to  all  she  meets.  She  could  not  be  con- 
vinced that  there  is  any  need  of  childbirth  being  ac- 
companied by  severe  pain. 


EXTRAORDINARY  EXPERIENCE.  1 33 

The  following  case  came  under  my  notice,  and 
proves  the  efficacy  of  the  "fruit  diet." 

Mrs.  L.  T.  Colburn,  living  in  Eureka,  Kansas,  is  a 
woman,  short,  fleshy,  and  what  is  called  solid  built. 
She  has  five  children:  with  the  first  four,  her  labors 
were  severe  and  prolonged.  Some  of  them  only  ter- 
minated with  instrumental  interference.  Relays  of 
neighboring  women  were  worn  out  in  rendering  her 
the  customary  aid,  and  some  of  her  male  relatives 
had  to  be  pressed  into  service.  During  her  last  preg- 
nancy, accidentally,  she  lived  upon  fruit  and  rice, 
and  her  experience  was  as  unlike  the  former  deliver- 
ies as  night  is  unlike  day.  Her  husband  kept  a  gro- 
cery and  provision  store,  and  the  family  lived  over 
the  store;  Mrs.  C.  was  in  the  grocery  frequently. 
She  had  a  craving  for  lemons  and  oranges,  and  ate 
of  them  very  freely,  often  consuming  half  a  dozen  of 
either  at  one  time.  Her  greediness  for  these  fruits 
became  the  by-word  of  friends  and  neighbors. 

Previous  to  this  time  her  eldest  son,  showing  symp- 
toms of  irritation  of  the  brain,  subsisted  upon  rice. 
From  this  the  entire  family  came  to  living  almost 
totally  upon  rice.  As  usual,  she  made  very  elabor- 
ate preparations  for  her  confinement;  her  physician, 
nurse  and  friends  were  engaged.  At  the  end  of  nine 
months  she  was  awakened  with  the  "breaking  of  the 
waters."  She  aroused  her  husband.  He  thought  he 
had  better  go  for  a  doctor.  "Why,  there  is  no  use," 
she  said,  "  I  have  not  a  particle  of  pain."  However, 
he  feared  there  was  something  wrong,  and  after 
calling  her  sister,  went  with  all  possible  haste  for 
medical  aid. 


134  MRS.  colburn's  testimony. 

The  sister,  too,  was  alarmed,  and  went  to  the  nex* 
door  to  call  a  neighbor.  Before  either  returned, 
while  Mrs.  C.  was  entirely  alone,  the  child  was  born, 
without  ike  scnsatio7i  of  pain. 

Mrs.  C.  had  talked  her  experience  over  many  times 
with  her  husband  and  friends,  and  was  never  able  to 
account  for  the  very  marked  difference  in  her  con- 
finements until  at  my  conversations  she  heard  me  ex- 
pound the  "rice  and  fruit  diet"  theory.  With  tears 
streaming  from  her  eyes  she  recounted  her  story;  she 
said:  "I  am  so  glad  to  know  that  this  is  not  the  re- 
sult of  chance — that  it  is  the  truth  and  philosophy 
by  which  all  may  profit." 

Mrs.  C.  is  a  true  woman;  she  told  me  she  was  wil- 
ling her  name  and  experience  should  be  used  for  the 
benefit  of  others,  and  handed  me  this  testimony: 

"  This  is  to  certify  that  I  know  what  Dr.  Stockham 
teaches  in  regard  to  'Fruit  Diet'  is  true.  When 
pregnant  with  my  last  child,  I  accidentally  lived  upon 
rice  and  fruit,  and  my  child  was  born  with  compara- 
tively no  pain  or  sensible  effort;  could  not  get  a 
physician  in  time,  nor  did  I  need  one.  In  four  pre- 
vious deliveries  I  had  physicians  with  me  over 
twenty-four  hours,  and  had  prolonged  and  severe 
labors.  I  can  account  for  the  difference  only  through 
the  fruit  and  rice  diet. 

L.  T.  COLBURN, 

May  2,  1882.  Eureka,  Kansas. 

Food  and  drink  should  be  chosen  that  lack  in  bone 
forming  materials.  The  carbonaceous  elements  of 
the  grains  are  not  objectionable,  while  to  prevent  in- 
flammation the  free  use  oi  fats  and  sweets  should  be 


BILL  OF  FARE.  I35 

avoided.  Of  the  leguminaand  grains:  beans,  barley, 
rye  and  oats,  in  order,  contain  the  largest  amount  of 
mineral  product;  wheat  not  quite  so  much;  corn,  al- 
most none.  Lean  meat,  chicken,  oysters,  clams, 
lobster,  crab,  etc.,  abound  in  the  mineral  salts.  All 
garden  vegetables,  save  beans,  are  desirable.  Eggs, 
wheat  and  milk  can  be  used  moderately. 

Feast  on  fruits  freely  should  be  the  pregnant 
woman's  motto.  The  oxygen  of  acid  fruits  unite 
with  the  carbon,  hence  besides  dissolving  the  phos- 
phates tends  to  prevent  inflammation. 

That  the  fruit  diet  prevents  the  diseases  of  preg- 
nancy and  the  sufferings  of  parturition,  is  a  boon  to 
every  woman,  and  all  knowing  this  ought  to  preach  it. 

The  bill  of  fare  below  suggests  dishes  desirable 
in  pregnancy.  Remember  always  to  add  fruit.  Next 
to  lemon  and  oranges,  apples,  peaches  and  plums 
should  be  chosen.  For  supper  it  is  better  to  take 
simply  rice  or  corn  gruel,  or,  if  in  summer,  a  dish  of 
ice  cream.  It  must  be  understood  that  this  bill  of 
fare  is  merely  suggestive,  being  intended  to  show 
that  a  variety  of  attractive  dishes  can  be  made  en- 
tirely compatible  with  the  theory. 

BREAKFAST  FOR  EACH   DAY  OF  THE  WEEK. 

Monday. — Rice  balls,  baked  apples,  baked  pota- 
toes, corn  muffins,  corn  tea. 

Tuesday. — Japanese  rice,  apple  sauce,  creamed 
potato,  corn-meal  griddle  cakes,  barley  coffee. 

Wednesday. — Rice  muffins,  fresh  fruit,  rhubarb 
on  toast,  breakfast  patties,  wheat  coffee. 

Thursday. — Hominy,  stewed  fruit,  rice  omelet, 
potato  balls,  corn  muffins,  hot  milk. 


136  BILL  OF  FARE. 

Friday. — Rice  griddle  cakes,  stewed  potatoes, 
milk  toast,  sago  and  cream,  barley  coffee. 

Saturday. — Corn  mush,  tomato  on  toast,  egg 
omelet,  graham  muffins,  hot  milk. 

Sunday. — Fresh  fruit,  codfish  balls,  baked  pota- 
toes, rice  muffins,  chocolate,  maple  syrup. 

DINNER  FOR  EACH  DAY  OF  THE  WEEK. 

Monday. — Macaroni  soup,  asparagus  on  toast, 
mashed  potatoes,  sago-apple  pudding  or  rice  snow. 

Tuesday. — Noodle  soup,  raw  oysters,  potato 
puffs,  succotash,  baked  macaroni,  cold  slaw,  baked 
rice  pudding  or  apple-tapioca  pudding,  fruit. 

Wednesday. —  Tomato  soup,  fresh  fish,  mashed 
potatoes,  beets,  baked  Indian  pudding  or  rhubarb  pie. 

Thursday. — Vegetable  soup,  tomatoes  on  toast, 
creamed  potatoes,  stewed  macaroni,  corn,  cracked- 
wheat  pudding  or  cornstarch  blanc-mange,  fruit. 

Friday. — Rice  soup,  creamed  codfish,  green  peas, 
spinach,  boiled  potatoes,  strawberry  shortcake  or 
fruit  blanc-mange. 

Saturday. — Potato  soup,  macaroni  and  cheese, 
vegetable  oysters,  creamed  cabbage,  baked  rice  om- 
elet, fruit  shortcake,  fruit. 

Sunday. — Baked  chicken,  sweet  potatoes,  celery, 
unleavened  bread,  potato  puffs,  corn,  farina  blanc- 
mange with  jelly,  nuts  and  fruits. 

Copy  this  bill  of  fare  and  paste  in  the  kitchen, 
where  it  will  be  handy  to  refer  to.  If  one  is  not  ac- 
customed to  the  use  of  grains  it  requires  some  pa- 
tience to  learn  to  prepare  the  food  so  that  it  will 
prove  both  nourishing  and  satisfactory  to  a  delicate 
appetite.    See  chapter  on  dietetics  for  recipes. 


FOOD  TABLE. 


137 


The  following  table  has  been  carefully  prepared 
from  Payen's  food  analysis.  It  will  afford  assistance 
in  selecting  appropriate  diet,  and  should  be  studied 
with  care. 

ANALYSIS  OF  FOOD. 


ARTICLES. 

Nitrog- 
enous 

Carbon- 
naceous 

Mineral 
Salts. 

Waste. 

Water. 

Wheat* 

18 
13 
13 
14 
12 

13 

5 

30 

19 

2 

18 

16 

4 

77 
81 

79 

80 
67 
82 
57 

4 
24 

3 
30 

9 
100 

2 

3 
3 
3 
I 
2 
0 
4 
5 
I 
I 
2 
I 

3 
3 
5 
8 

7 

4 
4 

I 

Rye* 

Barley* 

Oats* 

Maize* 

Buckwheat 

14 

Rice 

Beans 

Lean  Meat 

72 

Potatoes 

73 

White  Fish 

Eggs 

78 
52 

Milk 

Sugar     ] 

86 

Butter    f 

*A  dry  state. 
cent,  water. 


In  any  ordinary  state  grains  contains  1 1  to  18  per 


CHAPTER  X. 


HYGIENE   IN  PREGNANCY. — EXERCISE. 

Motion  is  a  lazv  of  nature.  All  animal  life  is  full  of 
activity.  Remaining  quietly  in  closely  heated  rooms 
frequently  causes  disease  in  the  pregnant  woman. 
Without  exercise,  food  cannot  be  assimilated,  the 
processes  of  depurition  are  imperfect,  the  muscles 
lose  tone  and  power,  and  the  nervous  system  be- 
comes prostrated.  On  the  other  hand,  excessive 
labor  often  proves  injurious.  Some  muscles  are 
overtaxed  and  local  strains  produced.  It  is  difficult 
to  give  directions  applicable  to  all  cases.  Exercise 
should  not  be  carried  to  actual  fatigue.  A  weariness 
that  makes  the  bed  feel  good  zzxi  do  no  harm. 

General  housework  is  desirable,  avoiding  the  more 
laborious  portion,  like  washing,  scrubbing  and  heavy 
lifting.  In  housework  one  brings  into  action  nearly 
all  the  muscles  of  the  body,  with  the  exception  of 
some  of  the  trunk  and  those  used  in  deep  respiration. 
Even  these  would  not  lack  development  if  clothing 
caused  no  restrictions.  In  the  home  work  a  woman 
reaches,  stoops,  turns,  walks,  lifts  and  climbs  stairs. 

Housekeeping  usually  interests  a  woman  during 
pregnancy  if  at  no  other  time.  She  is  nest  building, 
and  the  home  work  is  a  labor  of  love.  She  rests  in 
the  quiet  of  a  cozy,  retired  home.  How  easy  to  per- 
form the  duties  that  the  heart  sanctions  and  impels! 

(138) 


WOMEN  WALK  TOO  LITTLE.  139 

If  a  woman  has  no  functional  derangement,  walk- 
ing and  carriage  riding  are  invaluable.  She  canmt  be 
too  much  in  the  out-door  air.  Properly  clothed,  brisk 
walking  brings  into  action  nearly  every  muscle,  and 
is  invigorating  to  every  function.  American  wofnen, 
as  a  rule,  walk  too  little.  Wearing  common  sense 
shoes,  having  the  arms  free,  the  dress  short  and 
loose,  one  can  accustom  herself  to  walking  long  dis- 
tances with  positive  benefit. 

Light  gardening  can  not  be  too  highly  recom- 
mended. It  has  the  advantage  of  being  out  doors. 
It  gives  postures  that  bring  into  action  the  unused 
muscles  of  the  trunk  and  abdomen. 

Coming  in  contact  with  the  earth  carries  off  any 
excess  of  electricity.  Besides,  the  result,  either  in 
a  supply  of  fresh  vegetables  for  the  table,  or  in  floral 
decorations,  are  always  satisfactory.  My  own  expe- 
rience proves  that  getting  out  and  working  in  the 
ground  is  a  cure-all  for  ennui,  indigestion,  torpid 
liver,  anxiety,  despondency;  indeed,  any  slight  phy- 
sical derangement  or  mental  disturbance. 

Possessing  no  garden  to  cultivate,  lying  flat  upon 
the  ground  without  blanket  or  pillow  answers  a  good 
purpose.  More  rest  can  be  obtained  in  five  minutes 
than  in  five  hours  upon  lounge  or  bed  in  the  house. 
Although  this  is  contrary  to  all  tradition  and  teach- 
ing, many  have  proved  its  value. 

What  is  the  object  to  be  gained  by  exercise  in 
pregnancy.^  Evidently  absorption,  nutrition  and  ex- 
cretion. All  the  functions  must  be  kept  to  a  normal 
standard,  so  that  the  processes  of  assimilation  and 
waste  can  be  perfectly  performed. 

The  involuntary  muscles  of  respiration  must  be  ed- 


I40  DEEP  BREATHING. 

ucated.  Those  required  in  parturition  must  be  de- 
veloped and  strengthened.  There  are  the  muscles 
of  the  abdomen,  pelvis,  perineum  and  groin,  also 
some  of  the  muscles  of  the  trunk. 

Full  and  deep  breathing  is  not  only  necessary  to 
perfectly  oxygenate  the  blood  and  by  the  attendant 
motion  to  promote  digestion,  but  it  makes  room  for 
the  fetus  as  well.  It  expands  the  wall  of  the  abdo- 
men and  chest,  and  strengthens  the  sustaining  power 
of  the  uterus.  Is  it  not  possible,  too,  that  it  gives  a 
needed  exercise  to  the  fetus,  a  constnnt  gentle  mo- 
tion promoting  the  functions  necessary  to  its  develop- 
ment and  growth.'' 

Breathing  for  the  most  part  is  an  involuntary 
action,  and  in  children  and  animals  is  performed 
naturally  from  the  abdomen  or  flank.  "  Look  upon 
that  quietly  sleeping  cat  on  the  rug.  Its  sole  indi- 
cation of  vitality  is  the  bellows-like  motion  of  its 
body  in  breathing.  You  must  also  have  observed 
that  in  all  domestic  animals,  at  each  respiration,  an 
undulating  motion  extends  quite  through  the  whole 
trunk,  and  that  this  motion  terminates  only  at  the 
hindermost  limbs.  This  is  natural  respiration  as  it  is 
performed  throughout  quadruped  existence. 

'*  Have  you  a  perfectly  healthy  lady  friend.-*  Lay 
your  hand  upon  her  and  you  will  find  that  her  abdo- 
men rises  and  falls  in  exactly  the  same  way  at  every 
respiratory  act;  not  only  so,  but  that  this  act  is  invol- 
untarily performed  in  a  more  profound  manner  every 
few  moments,  and  that  this  increased  motion  operates 
particularly  upon  the  lowest  portion  of  the  trunk. 

"  Observe  in  the  same  way  your  own  person.  If 
you  are  an  invalid,  you  will  find  this  motion  dimin- 


WOMEN  WANT  WAIST  BREATHING.  I4I 

ished,  perhaps  suppressed.  When  one  half  breathes 
he  only  half  lives." 

The  lungs  or  air  receptacles  are  enclosed  within 
the  walls  of  the  chest  or  thoratic  cavity;  beneath  the 
lungs  is  the  great  breathing  motor,  the  diaphragm,  of 
a  convex  shape  when  in  repose.  In  all  correct  inhal- 
ation the  air  filling  the  lungs  flattens  the  diaphragm. 
This  must  result  in  the  expansion  of  the  body  adja- 
cent to  and  surrounding  the  diaphragm.  Natural 
breathing  should  be  accomplished  without  any  up- 
heaval of  the  chest  or  hoisting  of  the  shoulders. 

That  adults,  and  especially  women,  have  not  this 
deep  waist  breathing  is  on  account  of  disuse  of  the 
muscles.  The  young  man  who  is  stoop-shouldered, 
walks  the  streets  with  his  hands  in  his  pockets  or  sits 
bent  over  his  desk,  soon  diminishes  the  action  of 
these  muscles.  The  girl,  deprived  of  pockets,  may 
keep  her  head  and  shoulders  erect,  yet  by  faulty 
dress,  compresses  and  fixes  the  lower  muscles  of  res- 
piration and  breathes  only  with  the  top  of  the  lungs. 
When  either  man  or  woman  has  lost  the  ability  tQ 
breathe  deeply,  a  long  road  must  be  traveled  to  edu- 
cate the  muscles  back  to  natural  use. 

A  man  in  Colorado  had  broncorrhoea  and  occa- 
sional lung  hemorrhage.  Although  he  could  walk 
six  or  seven  miles  he  could  not  breathe  below  the 
eighth  rib.  I  said:  "I  did  not  know  a  man  could 
live,  and  breathe  no  deeper.  By  all  your  hopes  of 
life,  you  must  learn  to  breathe.  To  be  sure  you  can 
walk,  but  the  muscles  of  your  legs  don't  help  your 
respiration.  You  must  take  exercises  that  develop 
the  diaphragm  and  abdominal  muscles.  Breathe 
down,  down,  and  relieve  the  congestion  of  the  upper 


142  THE  VOCALIST  AND  GYMNAST. 

lungs."  He  said:  "  I  have  consulted  many  physicians 
the  last  six  years,  and  why  have  none  told  me  this 
before?"  Several  months  afterward  he  wrote  me 
that  by  simply  developing  the  lower  muscles  of  res- 
piration, he  had  saved  funeral  expenses. 

The  gymnast  and  vocalist  take  pains  to  teach  deep 
breathing,  which  is  simply  restoring  natural  pro- 
cesses. The  cow  will  low  all  day  for  her  lost  offspring 
without  fatigue  or  hoarsness,  because  she  does  it 
with  expiration,  and  breathes  from  her  waist  or 
flanks.  The  boy  who  roams  the  woods.gathers  nuts 
and  hunts  squirrels  and  keeps  his  hands  out  of  his 
pockets,  can  hallo  hours  without  weariness.  He 
breathes  naturally  and  uses  his  voice  naturally.  He 
does  only  what  the  singer  and  orator  are  taught  to 
do,  because  through  disuse  this  has  become  a  lost 
art  to  them. 

The  blacksmith  or  stone-cutter  desiring  to  strike  a 
heavy  blow,  does  it  with  expiration,  and  the  breath  is 
driven  from  the  lungs  with  an  ugh!  that  is  almost  a 
groan.  No  matter  what  knotted  muscles  he  may 
have  upon  his  arm,  if  the  great  converging  muscle 
below  the  lungs  is  not  equally  strong  and  powerful, 
he  can  not  strike  an  effective  blow.  It  is  said  that 
out  of  three  hundred  recent  candidates  for  the  Navy 
school,  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  were  rejected 
simply  because  of  contracted  chests  and  inefficient 
breathing.  Manhood,  womanhood,  endurance  and 
longevity  depend  upon  lung  power,  and  this  is  within 
the  reach  of  all. 

Educate  the  muscles  of  respiration.  "To 
learn  deep  breathing  be  as  passive  as  possible;  that 
is,  assume   a  position   in  which   all  the   voluntary 


MASSAGE.  143 

motor  muscles  are  inactive.  Lie  flat  on  the  back, 
perfectly  horizontal,  without  even  an  elevation  of  the 
head.  Shut  the  mouth  and  draw  the  air  in  through 
the  channel  provided  by  nature — the  nose.  As  a  re- 
sult of  bad  habits,  most  persons  will  raise  the  upper 
ribs,  yet  this  expansion  will  soon  yield  to  a  move- 
ment of  the  lower  ribs,  and  this  again  will  gradually 
cease  by  continued  practice,  as  will  also  every  dis- 
tension of  the  ribs.  All  these  faulty  movements 
will  be  superseded  by  a  bulging  out  of  the  abdomen, 
which  will  b^  proportioned  to  the  amount  of  air  in- 
haled." Exhale  also  through  the  nose,  letting  the 
breath  out  slowly.  Alternate  costal  and  abdominal 
breathing.  That  is,  with  one  inspiration  swell  out  the 
sides;  burst  the  belt;  this  retracts  the  abdomen;  with 
the  next  bulge  out  the  abdomen,  which  is  done  by 
pressing  the  diaphragm  down. 

Massage  is  a  most  desirable  mode  of  exercise, 
especially  for  invalids  and  delicate  people.  This  is 
a  thorough  manipulation  by  an  attendant  of  all  the 
muscles. 

Massage  is  one  of  the  most  effective  of  all  mani- 
pulations to  promote  nerve  currents  and  blood  cir- 
culation. It  renders  the  skin  soft  and  elastic.  The 
action  extends  deeply  in  the  body,  thus  promoting 
the  activity  of  all  the  blood-vessels.  It  restores  the 
circulation  to  the  extremities,  thus  relieving  the 
plethora  of  the  viscera  generally  attendant  upon 
chronic  diseases. 

The  muscle-beater  is  a  convenient  and  inexpensive 
substitute  for  the  hand,  in  Massage  and  Swedish 
movement  cures,  as  it  gives  excellent  muscular  treat- 
ment without  the  aid  of  an  assistant.     This  little  in- 


144  MILITARY  POSITION. 

strument   consists  of  three    rubber   tubes,  fastened 
together   toward   the   handle.     With    this,  one   can 
treat  the  skin  and  muscles  in  any  part  of  the  body. 
Always  in  standing  and  walking,  assume  the 

MILITARY   POSITION. 

1.  Heels  in  line,  and  together. 

2.  Feet  turned  equally  outward,  forming  an  angle 
of  forty-five  degrees. 

3.  Knees  straight. 

4.  Body  square  to  the  front. 

5.  Chest  expanded  and  advanced,  but  without 
constraint. 

6.  Arms  hung  easily  to  the  side.  (Swing  them 
out  and  let  them  drop  like  a  pendulum). 

7.  Shoulders  equal  height. 

8.  Shoulder  blades  flat. 

9.  Head  erect,  raised  at  the  crown  (as  if  suspended 
by  a  cord),  not  tipped  in  any  direction. 

ID.  Chin  slightly  drawn  in. 

11.  Form  raised  to  full  height. 

12.  Body  poised  slightly  forward,  so  that  the 
weight  bears  mainly  on  the  ball  of  the  foot. 

13.  Eyes  straight  to  the  front. 

14.  Whole  figure  in  such  a  position  that  aline  will 
pass  through  ear,  shoulder,  hip,  knee  and  ankle. 

Get  this  position  before  a  glass  and  practice  it, 
until  it  can  always  be  maintained.  It  gives  ease, 
grace  and  strength.     Teach  it  to  every  child. 

The  following  exercises,  as  well  as  those  in  Chap. 
V  will  be  found  invaluable  to  equalize  the  circula- 
tion, to  aid  digestion,  as  well  as  to  promote  natural 
breathing  and  develop  the  muscles  required  in  par- 


VALUABLE  EXERCISES.  I45 

turition.  Begin  cautiously  with  the  first  five,  increas- 
ing the  number  and  time  devoted  to  them  as  strength 
is  gained. 

EXERCISES  ADAPTED  TO  GESTATION. 

1.  Standing  position.  Carry  the  weight  of  the 
body  as  far  forward  and  backward  as  possible,  with- 
out lifting  heels  or  bending  knees.  Count  four  to 
each  movement. 

2.  Same  position.  Bend  body  slowly  from  side  to 
side.     Keep  knees  straight  and  feet  firm. 

3.  Hands  forward  on  hips,  bend  trunk  at  hips 
slowly  forward;  rise  slowly  and  bend  backward, 
always  keeping  the  head  in  position  with  the  body. 

4.  Inflate  the  lungs.  Touch  the  shoulders  lightly 
with  the  tips  of  the  fingers.  Bring  the  elbows  slowly 
in  front  of  the  body,  touching  them  together.  Lift 
them  as  high  as  possible.  Throw  elbows  back  and 
up,  the  fingers  still  touching  shoulders.  Bring  them 
back  to  commencing  position.  Expel  air.  This  ex- 
ercise elevates  the  ribs  and  expands  lower  part  of 
chest. 

5.  Erect  position.  Inhale.  Finger  tips  to  shoul- 
ders. Hold  the  breath  to  count  twenty,  then  with 
clenched  fist  strike  downward  and  forward.  Stop 
suddenly  as  if  striking  an  object.  Expel  breath 
forcibly  with  the  motion.  If  the  motion  is  de- 
cisive the  breath  will  naturally  be  expelled  by  the 
diaphragm. 

6.  Kneel  on  a  cushion,  knees  far  apart,  stretch 
arms  upward,  parallel  with  each  other  by  the  side  of 
head,  bend  trunk  slowly  backward  as  far  as  possible, 
remain  to  count  four,  return  forward  as  far  as  possi- 


146  EXERCISES  IN  PREGNANCTT 

ble,  keeping  knees  and  feet  firm.  This  is  one  of  the 
best  exercises  for  strengthening  the  muscles  of  the 
back  and  pelvis. 

7.  Same  position,  hands  clasped  on  top  of  head, 
move  the  body  from  side  to  side  slowly,  count  four 
with  each  movement  and  then  rest.  In  the  same  po- 
sition twist  the  body  from  right  to  left. 

8.  Same  position,  arms  extended  horizontally  for- 
ward, throw  them  backward  in  a  direct  line  as  far  as 
possible.  This  may  be  practiced  quickly  or  slowly 
as  if  carrying  a  weight. 

9.  Reclining  upon  back,  flex  the  knees  and  sway 
them  from  side  to  side. 

10.  Same  position,  fiex  and  thrust  the  limbs  down- 
ward alternately. 

1 1 .  Reclining,  face  downward,  flex  knees  and  sway 
feet  from  right  to  left, 

12.  Same  position,  with  the  help  of  an  assistant 
flex  and  extend  the  limbs,  using  resistance. 

13.  Same  position,  rest  on  elbows  and  sway  shoul- 
ders from  right  to  left. 

14.  Same  position,  elevate  the  body  slowly,  rest- 
ing only  on  toes  and  elbows. 

15.  Recline  on  back  and  make  hand  thrusts,  with 
or  without  weights,  upward,  outward,  forward  and 
downward. 

In  all  these  exercises  it  is  persistent,  patient  effort 
that  gives  decided  results.  One  will  not  see  their 
effects  in  one  day,  nor  one  week,  unless  it  is  in  greater 
freedom  of  breath.  At  first  soreness  may  follow  the 
use  of  muscles  unaccustomed  to  exercise.  A  wet 
compress  or  a  warm  bath  will  relieve  this.  These 
exercises  should  always  be  taken  in  a  loose  wrapper 


CLIMBING  STAIRS.  14/ 

and  at  stated  hours.     The  best  time  is  before  the 
forenoon  bath  and  before  retiring  at  night. 

The  following  is  a  heresy  but  nevertheless  is  a 
truth.  A  pregnant  woman  having  a  comfortable 
degree  of  health,  will  derive  as  much  benefit  by  going 
up  and  down  stairs  as  by  any  other  exercise^  providing 
she  observe  the  following  conditions: 

1.  Wear  a  dress  that  is  loose,  light  and  short. 

2.  Keep  the  mouth  closed. 

3.  Fill  the  lungs  with  air,  hold  the  breath  until 
the  top  is  reached,  and  then  expel  slowly. 

4.  Maintain  the  erect  position. 

Notice  what  has  been  accomplished.  The  dia- 
phragm and  abdominal  muscles  have  been  brought 
into  action  by  the  deep  breath,  while  the  muscles  of 
the  thigh,  pelvis,  perineum  and  groin  are  all  engaged 
in  elevating  the  body.  Each  time  the  thigh  is  raised, 
pressure  is  made  upon  the  abdominal  viscera,  which, 
if  there  is  no  outside  counteracting  force,  are  pushed 
outward  and  upward,  and  with  the  opposite  move- 
ment resume  their  place. 

The  reason  climbing  stairs  may  injure  women  is, 

that  with  each  upward  movement,  as  the  bowels  are 

pushed  out,  they  come  in  contact  with  the  outside 

constricting  pressure  of  corset  and  bands.     Where 

can  they  go?     Not  being  able  to  go  outward  they 

must  go  upward,  arresting  the  breath,  or  downward, 

pressing  the  pelvic  viscera  upon  the  perineum.     Is 

it  not  unjust  to  attribute  the  mischief  to   the   stairs, 

when  all  the  time  it  is  the  clothing  that  does  the 

harm.?     Who  would  ever  think  of  its  hurting  a  boy 

to  go  up  stairs,  even  if  he  takes  three  steps  at  a  time, 

and  goes  up  three  flights  without  catching  his  breath? 
10 


148  KEEP  THE  MOUTH  CLOSED. 

Dress  a  girl  as  sensibly;  neither  will  it  hur',  her,  for 
really  the  little  anatomical  difference  in  th;'  c  organi- 
tation  is  in  the  girl's  favor. 

Going  up  stairs  is  the  best  way  to  gr':  desired 
exercise  in  a  short  time.  A  successful,  self  educated 
man  of  this  city  said  that,  when  studying,  and  his 
brain  became  weary  and  stupid,  he  left  his  books  and 
ran  up  and  down  stairs  three  or  four  times,  accom- 
plishing more  for  himself  than  by  half  an  hour's 
walk,  or  by  gymnastics. 

When  I  was  in  medical  college,  come  of  our  lec- 
ture rooms  were  on  the  fourth  floor,  aad  my  own 
room  was  also  on  the  fourth  f?.oo'/;  both  of  these 
buildings  had  high  ceilings.  I  uf.ed  to  pride  myself 
in  starting  at  the  first  floor,  and  running  to  the  top 
without  stopping.  I  then  wore  the  "American  cos- 
tume," and  was  nearly  as  free  in  my  dress  as  a  man. 
Ever  since,  stairs  have  presented  nomorediflficulties 
to  me  than  a  level  floor. 

A  lady  told  me  that  with  her  third  child  she  prac- 
ticed going  up  and  down  stairs  on  purpose  for  the 
exercise.  The  result  was  the  casu.-iit  labor  and  the 
best  recovery  she  ever  had  experknced. 

In  climbing  hills,  observe  the  Scane  rules — keep  the 
month  closed,  expel  slowly  through  the  nose,  and  stand 
erect.  Not  long  since  I  read  a  Jong  letter,  upon  run- 
ning, written  to  boys  (and  v/hy  not  to  girls  as  well.?) 
The  writer  claimed  that  the  v  hole  secret  of  being 
able  to  run  and  defy  all  comp's'.titors,  was  to  keep  the 
mouth  closed.  Why.?  Simply  because  it  forces  deep 
breathing,  and  compels  the  use  of  the  diaphragm.  Any 
one  can  prove  this.  So  with  any  exercise,  but  espe- 
cially in  climbing  hills  or  stdi\TS,keep  ilte  mouth  closed. 


DELSARTE.  I49 

Let  me  urge  and  emphasize  that  the  pregnant 
woman  must  walk,  ride,  take  gymnastics,  climb  hills 
and  stairs,  beginning  according  to  her  strength,  and 
increasing  the  amount  from  day  to  day.  Upon 
strength,  power  and  vigor  of  muscles,  largely  de- 
pends easy  labor. 

The  Delsarte  system  of  esthetic  gymnastics  is  a 
method  of  physical  training  leading  to  the  cultiva- 
tion of  grace  and  strength.  Truthful  or  natural  ex- 
pression of  one's  individuality  is  the  key-note  of 
Delsarte's  thought.  This  is  really  a  desirable  means 
of  obtaining  rest,  for  it  te^cnes  giving  up  all  unnec- 
essary tension.  In  this  it  is  quite  the  opposite  of 
other  methods  of  gymnastics.  This  letting  go  or 
giving  up,  can  not  be  done  ali  at  once.  The  teachers 
of  the  system  give  a  series  of  exercises  to  free  the 
different  parts  of  the  body;  first  the  head,  then  the 
hands  and  feet,  then  the  muscles  of  the  waist  and 
chest.  Deep  breathing  aids  in  freeing  the  vital 
organs.  All  forces  of  the  body  are  thus  allowed  a 
natural  and  graceful  expression. 

Annie  Payson  Call,  in  her  tract  on  the  Regenera- 
tion of  the  Body,  says:  "The  soul  can  be  regener- 
ated and  the  body  remain  disorderly;  the  body  can 
be  trained  to  a  fine  physical  life  and  action  and  the 
soul  remain  unregenerate;  but  certainly  the  fulness 
of  life,  both  for  this  world  and  the  next,  must  come 
from  a  more  perfect  harmony  of  the  material  body 
with  the  soul." 


CHAPTER   XI. 


CHASTITY   IN   THE   MARRIAGE   RELATION. 

"  So  dear  to  heaven  is  saintly  chastity, 
That  when  a  soul  is  found  sincerely  so, 
A  thousand  liveried  angels  lackey  her." 

— Milton. 

Many  years  ago  during  a  visit  to  my  cousin,  a 
young  married  woman  called  with  her  four  months 
old  baby — a  thin-necked,  bloodless,  blue  looking 
child.  After  she  left,  cousin  observed,  "  Is  it  not  a 
shame  that  young  people  have  so  little  knowledge.' 
That  poor  child  is  suffering  because  the  parents  too 
frequently  practice  the  privileges  accorded  in  the 
marriage  relation.  The  milk  is  deprived  of  its  vital- 
izing and  nutritious  elements."  So  little  of  such 
matters  had  come  to  my  knowledge  that  all  she 
meant  was  not  comprehended.  From  what  my  in- 
stincts had  taught  me,  and  what  had  been  seen  in 
animal  life,  I  had  no  thought  that  this  relation  ever 
was  frequent,  especially  during  child-bearing. 

To  this  day  the  picture  of  that  wan,  pale  baby  is 
impressed  upon  my  memory,  its  very  emaciation 
making  an  eloquent  plea  for  the  rights  of  children. 
Soon  after  this,  I  heard  H.  C.  Wright's  lecture  upon 
"Marriage;  its  Duties  and  Responsibilities."  He 
urged  men  and  women  to  transmit  the  best  of  them- 
selves to  their  children,  and  to  be  certain  that  off- 

(150) 


children's  rights.  151 

spring  were  not  deprived  of  vitality  and  strength  by 
lustful  indulgence.  For  the  sake  of  the  improvement 
and  progress  of  posterity,  the  life  of  married  people 
must  be  temperate.  After  this  I  read  his  "Marriage 
and  Parentage,"  and  "Unwelcome  Child,"  with  in- 
creased interest  in  this  subject. 

At  that  time  the  need  of  such  lectures  and  books 
was  not  understood.  In  long  years  since,  the  agoniz- 
ing cries  of  heart-broken,  suffering  women,  the  ter- 
rible death  rate  of  little  children  have  proven  that 
in  the  marriage  relation  there  is  such  a  perversion 
of  nature,  such  grievous  wrongs  committed  that  one 
needs  a  pen  of  fire  to  express  the  living,  burning 
thoughts,  and  carry  the  conviction  of  truth  into  the 
very  lives  of  men  and  women.  Unless  by  some 
divine  miracle,  the  eloquence  of  a  thousand  inspired 
pens  cannot  stay  the  floodtide  of  wrong  and  injustice 
now  done  to  women  and  children  under  the  cover 
of  the  marriage  law. 

Among  animals,  except  in  rare  instance  under 
domestication,  the  female  admits  the  male  in  sexual 
embrace,  only  for  procreation.  Among  some  savage 
tribes  this  same  rule  has  few  exceptions.  Is  it  not 
true  that  civilized  people,  boasting  of  their  moral  and 
religious  codes,  hold,  teach  and  practice  that  sexual 
wnion  shall  occur  in  season  and  out  of  season,  aver- 
ring this  to  be  the  fulfillment  of  nature's  law.-* 

Briefly  consider  different  views  upon  this  subject. 

First.  Those  who  hold  that  sexual  intercourse  is 
a  "physical  necessity"  to  man  but  not  to  woman. 

Second.  Those  who  believe  the  act  is  a  love  relation, 
mutually  demanded  and  enjoyed  by  both  sexes,  and 
serving  other  purposes  besides  that  of  procreation. 


I5»  POPULAR  THEORIES. 

Third.  Those  who  claim  the  relation  should  never 
be  entered  into  save  for  procreation. 

Physicians  and  physiologists  teach,  and  most  men 
and  women  believe: 

That  sexual  union  is  a  necessity  to  man,  while  it  is 
not  to  woman. 

That  there  is  implanted  in  his  being  demands  that 
cannot  be  restrained  without  injury  to  health. 

That  restraint  is  followed  by  absorption  of  the 
elements  of  generation,  producing  effects  not  unlike 
the  absorption  of  a  virulent  foreign  element. 

That  woman  naturally  has  not  so  much  passion  as 
man,  has  not  so  much  secretion,  also  has  an  outlet 
in  menstruation,  consequently  has  not  the  same 
demands  nor  the  same  injury  if  not  gratified. 

Are  these  claims  based  upon  truth.?  What  are  the 
facts  from  which  to  infer  what  men  and  women 
naturally  are.? 

When  woman  otily  is  taught  that  virtue  is  the 
brightest  jewel  in  her  crown,  when  the  popular  v.er- 
dict  is  that  womanliness  and  modesty  are  synonyms 
for  repression,  when  she  lives  in  fear  of  maternity, 
and  believes  restraint  on  her  part  prevents  vitality  of 
life  germs,  when,  too,  erroneous  habits  pervert  every 
function,  how  can  we  tell  what  is  natural  for  her.? 

Then,  on  the  other  hand,  when  man  is  taught  that 
virtue  is  not  synonymous  with  manliness,  when  the 
passions  are  stimulated  by  unnatural  habits  of  living, 
by  impure  conversation,  thoughts,  books  and  prac- 
tices,  can  we  say  this  strength  of  passion  is  purely 
natural  and  healthy.?  , 

A.  E.  Newton  says:  "They  who  .have  never  care* 
fully  noted  the  effects  of  alcoholic  stimulants,  of 


SOCIAL  EVIL.  ^yy 

coffee,  oysters,  eggs,  spices  and  animal  food,  as  well 
as  they  who  find  pleasure  in  filthy  conversationa. 
can  not  surely,  with  any  justness,  charge  nature  witft 
the  exuberance  of  their  amatory  desires." 

We  teach  the  girl  repression,  the  boy  expression,  not 
simply  by  word  and  book,  but  the  lessons  are  graven 
into  their  very  being  by  all  the  traditions,  prejudices 
and  customs  of  society. 

What  are  some  of  the  results  of  this  theory.^ 

Notably,  in  the  first  place,  we  have  what  is  called 
the  "social  evil."  Women,  licensed  by  men,  make  a 
business  of  prostitution,  selling  their  bodies  that  this 
demand — this  necessity — of  the  male  shall  be  supplied. 
In  visiting  these  women,  men  simply  yield  to  this 
supposed  necessity  of  their  nature;  consequently 
commit  no  violation  of  law. 

■  Women  not  having  the  same  demands,  by  entering 
this  life,  or  even  permitting  the  act  once,  violate  the 
laws  of  their  being;  according  to  the  social  codes, 
perpetrate  the  greatest  crime  in  the  calendar!  They 
become  outcasts.  If  they  fill  their  lives  with  noble 
and  philanthropic  deeds,  this  one  sin  is  so  foul  and 
rank,  is  such  an  offense,  they  have  little  hope  of 
remission,  even  from  a  just  and  all-loving  God. 

Can  the  fact  that  men  are  upheld,  their  crime  even 
condoned,  while  women,  as  partners  in  this  terrible 
evil,  are  not  only  ostracised,  but  irretrievably  lost, 
be  explained  in  any  other  way.-' 

Witness  the  effect  of  this  same  theory  in  the  mar- 
riage relation!  The  man  who  has  been  accustomed 
to  gratify  his  passions  promiscuously,  seeks  and 
marries  a  lovely,  virtuous  girl.  She  is  not  supposed 
to  have  iieeds  in  this  direction.    Neither  has  she 


154  UNWELCOME  CHILD. 

learned  that  her  body  is  her  own  and  her  soul  is  her 
Maker's.  She  gives  up  all  ownership  of  herself  to 
her  husband,  and  what  is  the  difference  between  her 
life  and  the  life  of  the  public  woman?  She  is  sold  to 
one  man,  and  is  not  half  so  well  paid.  Is  it  too  strong 
language  to  say  she  is  the  one  prostitute  taking  the 
place,  for  the  man,  of  many,  and  not  like  her,  having 
choice  of  time  or  conditions.?  In  consequence  she 
not  only  suffers  physically,  but  feels  disgraced  and 
outraged  to  the  depths  of  her  soul. 

She  is  liable  to  a  chance  maternity  and  the  tmwel- 
covu  child  is  deprived  of  physical  vigor,  and  may  be 
endowed  with  lustful  passions  and  morbid  appetites, 
if  he  does  not  indeed  curse  his  own  existence. 

At  the  c?.ose  of  one  of  my  health  conversations  after 
speaking  upon  this  subject,  a  lady  tremblingly,  but 
touchingly,  gave  her  experience.  She  said:  "Ladies, 
when  I  was  married  two  years  I  was  the  mother  of  a 
puny,  sickly  baby;  it  had  required  incessant  care  and 
watching  to  keep  it  alive.  When  it  was  only  seven 
months  old,  to  my  surprise,  astonishment  and  horror, 
I  felt  qiiickenijigy  and  for  the  first  time,  I  knew  I  was 
pregnant  again.  I  wasabased,humiliated.  The  sense  of 
degradation  that  filled  my  soul,  cannot  be  described. 
What  had  been  done.-*  The  babe  that  was  born  and 
the  babe  that  was  unborn  were  robbed  of  their  just 
inheritance.  Remorsefully  and  tearfully  I  told  my 
mother.  She  says:  'Why  child,  you  should  not 
grieve;  don't  you  know  your  children  are  legitimate!'' 
My  whole  being  arose  in  protest;  I  stamped  my  foot 
and  almost  screamed;  'Although  my  husband  is  the 
father  of  my  children,  they  are  not  legitimate.  No 
man-made  laws,  nor  priestly  rites  can  ever  make  an 


i-ESSON  FOR  HUSBANDS.  155 

act  legmmate  that  deprives  innocent  children  of  tneir 
right  to  life  and  health.'  With  sobs  and  moans,  reac- 
tion came  and  I  fainted  in  her  arms.  What  was  the 
sequel.'*  Two  years  later  both  of  these  children  after 
a  brief  existence  lay  in  the  '  city  of  the  dead,'  and 
until  my  husband  and  I  learned  tJie  law  we  could  not 
have  children  to  live." 

Parties  holding  the  second  theory  claim: 

That  coition  is  a  love  act. 

That  it  should  never  occur  except  when  there  is 
mutual  participation  on  the  part  of  both  man  and 
woman,  and  should  be  governed  and  guarded  so  as 
to  control  the  creative  power. 

Thus  this  act  is  the  emblem  of  love;  by  it  there  is 
a  mutual  exchange  of  subtle  elements  which  gives 
health  and  vigor,  and  more  firmly  cements  the  union. 

That  if  the  lives  of  married  people  accorded  to 
this  theory,  the  demand  of  the  man  would  be  no 
more  frequent  than  that  of  the  woman. 

That  the  husband  cannot  sustain  this  relation  sat- 
isfactorily and  without  injury  to  himself  unless  there 
is  reciprocation  on  the  part  of  the  wife. 

That  under  this  mutual  relation  there  is  no  loss  to 
either  party,  but  a  mutual  compensation. 

This  theory  has  its  arguments  and  certainly  is 
more  humane  than  the  first. 

A  woman  once  consulted  me  who  was  the  mother 
of  five  children,  all  born  within  ten  years.  These 
were  puny,  scrofulous,  nervous,  and  irritable.  She 
herself  was  a  fit  subject  for  doctors  and  drugs. 
Every  organ  in  her  body  seemed  diseased,  and  every 
function  perverted.  She  was  dragging  out  a  miser- 
able existence.    Like  other  physicians,  I  had  pre- 


IS6  TOUCHING  EXPERIENCE. 

scribed  In  vain  for  her  many  maladies.  One  day  she 
chanced  to  inquire  how  she  could  safely  prevent 
conception.  This  led  me  to  ask  how  great  was  the 
danger.  She  said:  "Unless  my  husband  is  absent 
from  home,  few  nights  have  been  exempt  since  we 
were  married,  except  it  may  be  three  or  four  imme- 
diately after  confinement." 

"And  yet  your  husband  loves  you.''" 

"O,  yes,  he  is  kind  and  provides  for  his  family. 
Perhaps  I  might  love  him  but  for  this.  While  now 
— (will  God  forgive  mei*) — I  detest,  I  loathe  him,  and 
if  I  knew  how  to  support  myself  and  children, 
would  leave  him." 

"Can  you  talk  with  him  upon  this  subject?" 

"I  think  I  can." 

"Then  there  is  hope,  for  many  women  cannot  do 
that.  Tell  him  I  will  give  you  treatment  to  improve 
your  health,  and  if  he  will  wait  until  you  can  respond, 
take  time  for  the  act,  have  it  ejitirely  mutual  from  first 
to  last,  the  demand  will  not  come  so  frequently.' 

"Do  you  think  so.''" 

"The  experience  of  many  proves  the  truth  of  this 
statement." 

Hopefully  she  went  home,  and  in  six  months  I 
had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  my  patient  was 
restored  to  health,  and  a  single  coition  in  a  month 
gave  the  husband  more  satisfaction  than  the  many 
had  done  previously,  that  the  creative  power  was 
under  control,  and  that  my  lady  could  proudly  say 
"I  love,"  where  previously  she  said  "I  hate." 

If  husbands  will  .listen,  a  few  simple  instructions 
will  appeal  to  their  commo7i  sense,  and  none  can 
imagine  the  gain  to  themselves,  to  their  wives,  and 


THEORY  OF  CONTINENCE.  1 57 

children  and  their  children's  children.  Then  it  may 
not  be  said  of  the  babes  that  their  "  Death  borders 
on  their  birth,  and  their  cradle  stands  in  the  grave." 

The  third  theoiy,  that  the  sexual  relation  should 
never  be  sustained,  save  for  procreation,  has  many 
adherents.  They  teach  that  there  are  other  uses  for 
the  procreative  element  than  the  generation  of  off- 
spring— far  better  uses  than  its  waste  in  momentary 
pleasure.  This  element,  when  retained  in  the  sys- 
tem, the  mental  powers  being  properly  directed,  is 
in  some  way  absorbed  and  diffused  throughout  the 
whole  organism,  replacing  waste,  and  imparting  a 
peculiar  vivifying  influence.  It  is  taken  up  by  the 
brain  and  may  be  coined  into  new  thoughts — per^ 
haps  new  inventions — grand  conceptions  of  the  true, 
the  beautiful,  the  useful,  or  into  fresh  emotions  of 
joy  and  impulses  of  kindness,  and  blessings  to  all 
around.  It  is  a  procreation  on  the  mental  and  spir- 
itual planes  instead  of  the  physical.  It  is  Just  as 
really  a  part  of  the  generative  function  as  is  the  beget- 
ting of  physical  offspring. 

They  claim  that  men  eminent  for  grand  achieve- 
ments in  fields  of  science,  philosophy,  invention, 
religion  and  philanthropy,  have  been  men  whose 
lives  accorded  to  this  theory,  referring  us  as  illus- 
trious examples  to  Plato,  NeAvton,  Lamb,  our  own 
Irving  and  Whittier,  and  always  remembering  the 
humble  Nazarene 

They  also  claim  that  to  woman  belongs  the  "crea- 
tive power,"  that  she  must  choose  when  a  new  life 
shall  be  evolved,  and  only  by  adhering  to  this  law 
can  she  be  protected  in  the  highest  function  of  her 
being — the  function  of  maternity.    Mrs.  Chandler  in 


158  A  SCRIPTURE  LESSON. 

"Motherhood,"  says:  "Every  mother  from  the  hour 
when  the  new  life  commences,  is  overshadowed  by 
the  Most  High.  Could  she  understand  her  needs 
and  powers,  and  secure  to  herself  respect  due  to  her 
sacred  office,  and,  free  from  all  polluting  intrusion 
upon  herself,  bathe  her  spirit  in  the  influxes  which 
the  life  within  attracts,  very  rapidly  would  disappear 
the  loathesome  deformities,  the  discordant  spirits 
now  blotting  the  fair  proportions  of  humanity." 

She  claims  that  in  the  Scripture  statement  in 
reference  to  the  parents  of  the  child  Jesus,  that 
Joseph  "knew  not"  Mary  from  the  hour  when  the 
announcement  of  the  new  life  was  made  untif.  the 
birth  of  the  child,  is  involved  a  deeper  and  more 
important  meaning  than  the  Christian  world  or  the 
medical  profession  have  discovered.  Thus  this  "undis- 
turbed maternity,  which  was  essential  to  the  ushering 
in  of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  is  equally  in  all  cases  a  vital 
and  indisputable  necessity  for  the  improvement  of 
humanity.  Motherhood  should  be  a  shrine  unpol- 
luted by  selfishness.  O  woman!  This  would  be  thy 
recompense  for  all  the  sufferings  and  agonies  which 
pertain  to  physical  womanhood  and  motherhood." 

It  is  encouraging  for  those  who  believe  this 
thought  to  know  that  not  only  woman  but  men 
standing  high  in  learning  and  literature  espouse  and 
teach  it.  "The  Science  of  a  New  Life,"  by  Dr. 
Cowan,  gives  what  he  terms  the  law  of  continence 
as  a  central  thought.  It  is  full  of  practical  lessons 
for  married  people,  and  has  had  a  large  sale. 

"The  Better  Way,"  a  pamphlet,  by  A.  E.  Newton, 
teaches  that  only  through  continent  lives  can  we 
hope  for  progress. 


CONTINENCE  TAUGHT  BY  MEN.  1 59 

*^Plain  Facts''  by  Dr.  Kellogg,  has  had  an  immense 
sale.     He,  too,  teaches  the  same  thought. 

Note,  all  these  books  are  written  by  nien — not  by 
women,  with  some  fancied  wrongs  to  redress;  but  by 
men  strongly  in  sympathy  with  the  needs  of  the  race. 
They  claim  that  a  better  and  higher  generation  can 
only  be  attained  through  continent  lives.  This  is  a 
subject  demanding  the  serious  consideration,  at  least, 
of  scientists,  philosophers  and  philanthropists. 

If  the  law  of  continence  is  not  the  law  to  govern 
one's  entire  life,  it  is  natural  and  reasonable  that  the 
mother  should  be  exempt  from  the  sexual  relation 
during  gestation.  The  husband  should  ever  be  ready 
to  comfort  and  cheer  with  his  sympathy.  He  should 
bear  in  mind  that  at  this  time  his  wife  and  child 
need  the  conservation  of  all  forces,  and  consequently 
he  should  "  observe  all  laws  that  will  let  reason  reign 
and  passion  served 

The  observance  of  the  law  of  continence  will  do 
much  to  palliate  the  many  nervous  symptoms  of 
pregnancy.  I  have  known  women  so  sensitive  during 
gestation  that  even  a  touch  or  a  kiss  from  the  hus- 
band caused  nausea  and  other  distressing  symptoms. 

"The  sexual  relation  at  this  time  exhausts  the 
mother  and  impairs  the  vitality  of  the  child,  induc- 
ing in  its  constitution  precocious  sexual  development. 
The  mind  should  be  free  from  the  subject,  and  every 
circumstance  that  has  a  tendency  to  promote  desire 
should  be  studiously  avoided.  For  this  reason  sep- 
arate beds  and  even  sleeping  rooms  for  husband 
and  wife  are  to  be  recommended." 

It  is  worth  investigating,  whether  the  cause  of  suf- 
fering in  pregnancy  and  much  of  the  pain  at  partu- 


l60  PRACTICAL  HINTS. 

rition  may  not  also  be  removed  by  the  practice  o» 

continence  during  gestation. 

Cannot  those  in  charge  of  hospitals  and  charitable 
institutions  make  a  study  of  the  subject?  A  collec- 
tion of  statistics  would  help  to  establish  or  refute 
this  theory.  The  influence  of  continence  on  off- 
spring invites  the  serious  thought  of  all  who  desire 
the  progress  of  purity.  Thoughtful  parents  will 
question  whether  by  living  during  the  mother's 
gestation  on  the  low  plane  of  physical  love,  they  are 
not  implanting  in  their  child  the  seeds  of  sensuality. 
Keeping  their  lives  in  the  higher  spiritual  love  they 
may  have  offspring  to  whom  a  life  of  purity  and 
self-control  will  be  natural. 

"  In  brief,  the  law  seems  to  be  that,  such  is  the  in- 
timate connection  between  the  mother  and  the 
embryo,  the  exercise  of  any  faculty  of  her  mind  or 
soul,  or  of  any  organ  of  her  brain  or  body,  stimulates 
and  develops  in  proportionate  degree  the  corre- 
sponding faculty  or  organ  in  the  incipient  child." 

Of  what  use  is  it  to  teach  the  young  lessons  of 
purity  and  morality,  when  by  prenatal  culture,  they 
have  graven  in  their  very  lives  lessons  of  prostitu- 
tion.' Many  men  violate  this  law  of  reproduction 
through  ignorance.  Were  they  taught  the  results, 
and  how  to  live  lives  of  self-control,  many  would 
gladly  accept  the  lesson. 

To  live  continent  lives,  avoid  food  containing 
aphrodisiac  stimulants,  such  as  coffee,  eggs,  oysters, 
and  animal  food.  Omit  the  evening  meal;  for  the  pur- 
pose desired  this  stands  paramount  to  all  other  means. 
Let  the  life  be  temperate  in  every  respect,  and  with  a 
strong  will  the  victory  can  be  won.    Remember  that 


ENCOURAGING  TESTIMONY.  l6l 

it  is  the  action  of  the  mind  chiefly,  that  stimulates 
excessive  seminal  secretion.  The  husband  being  the 
devoted  lover,  with  similar  untiring,  delicate  atten- 
tions, can  attain  the  same  self-control  he  practiced 
during  courtship.  The  wife  will  more  surely  retain 
her  health  and  youthful  charms  in  bearing  welcome 
children.  Women  will  rejoice  in  a  glad  maternity, 
and  a  higher,  nobler  and  more  God-like  posterity  will 
people  the  earth. 

A  few  years  since  I  read  a  paper  entitled,  "  The 
Hygiene  of  Pregnancy,"  before  a  Medical  Associa- 
tion, In  it  were  sentiments  similar  to  the  above.  It 
was  read  hesitatingly,  anticipating  only  adverse  crit- 
icism from  the  men  composing  that  body.  Previous 
to  the  reading  of  my  paper,  the  members  had  taken 
but  little  interest  in  the  convention  except  to  pro- 
mulgate pet  theories.  The  weather  was  warm,  and 
groups  were  sitting  on  the  piazza,  smoking  cigars, 
indifferent  to  subjects  under  discussion.  The  reading 
had  not  proceeded  far,  however,  when  cigars  were 
thrown  away,  and  the  entire  convention  were  listen- 
ers. Judge  of  my  surprise  when  the  thoughts  ex- 
pressed received  a  long  and  hearty  applause.  Most 
of  those  men  used  tobacco,  some  drank  beer,  and  all 
ate  animal  food.  They  were  not  the  class  of  men 
from  whom  recognition  of  such  radical  sentiments 
would  be  expected. 

Let  the  justness  of  this  subject  be  properly  pre- 
sented to  them,  and  most  men  will  be  convinced  of 
its  truth.  Men  naturally  reverence  the  maternal  in 
woman,  and  if  taught  that  continence  serves  the  best 
interests  of  motherhood  and  posterity,  will  cherfully 
accord  their  lives  with  it. 


l62       REVERENCE  FOR  MATERNITY. 

A  principal  of  a  high  school  in  Iowa  was  •  married 
man  many  years  before  he  knew  that  the  Ms.xual  re- 
lation was  ever  sustained  during  pregnancv.  When 
he  learned  it,  he  asserted  that  his  whole  wduI  was 
filled  with  shame  and  disgust  that  his  sex  had  no  bet- 
ter knowledge  of  their  protective  duties  relating  to 
maternity. 

Those  desiring  the  best  reproduction  of  themselves 
should  learn: 

That  motherhood  is  the  central  fact  of  human  life. 

That  the  first  right  of  a  child  is  to  be  well  born. 

That  every  mother  should  be  set  apart  during 
pregnancy  for  the  ante-natal  culture  of  her  child. 

That  control  of  appetite  is  the  first  step  in  Human 
culture. 

That  no  man  should  become  a  father  who  can  not 
and  will  not  observe  the  demands  of  temperance  in 
all  things  for  the  benefit  of  his  child. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


VENTILATION.— REST. 

The  pregnant  woman  breathes  for  two.  While  pure 
air  is  desirable  for  all  persons  under  every  condition, 
it  is  doubly  so  for  her.  Nothing  is  more  essential 
to  the  healthful  nourishment  of  the  fetus  than  that 
the  blood  be  thoroughly  oxygenated.  Otherwise  the 
child  may  be  weak  and  feeble,  and  liable  to  disease. 

Everywhere^  in  railroad  cars,  streets,  shops,  public 
halls  and  dwelling  houses,  there  is  foul  air — air  that 
is  loaded  wiih  exhalations  from  the  lungs,  emanations 
from  the  body,  and  is  often  vitiated  by  tobacco  and 
alcohol.  Architects,  builders  and  occupants  pay  but 
little  attention  to  ventilation.  The  most  important 
purpose  of  a  building  is  evidently  to  keep  the  heat 
in  during  the  winter,  and  keep  it  out  in  the  summer. 

With  every  breath  a  person  exhales  quite  a  large 
proportion  of  carbonic  gas,  which  is  a  deadly  poison, 
and  at  the  same  time  inhales  the  life-giving  oxygen, 
constantly  exhausting  the  supply.  Yet  the  great  fear 
of  drafts,  as  well  as  need  of  economizing  heat,  causes 
most  persons  to  breathe  the  same  air  over  and  over 
again.  Gases  that  are  inimical  to  health  and  life  are 
constantly  inhaled.  If  one  breathed  deeply  and  only 
pure  air  it  would  atone  for  violation  of  many  other 
physiological  laws.  The  proof  of  this  is  seen  in  the 
effects  of  a  hunter's  or  a  pioneer's  life. 
U  (163) 


164  VENTILATION  OF   BEDROOMS. 

The  following  from  the  Lajicet  gives  some  practi* 
cal  ideas  upon  the  ventilation  of  bedrooms  : 

"  If  a  man  were  deliberately  to  shut  himself  for 
some  six  or  eight  hours  daily  in  a  stuffy  room,  with 
closed  doors  and  windows  (the  doors  not  being 
open  even  to  change  the  air  during  the  period  of 
\  incarceration)  and  were  then  to  complain  of  headache 

'  and  debility,  he  would  justly  be  told  that  his  own 

want  of  intelligent  foresight  was  the  cause  of  his  suf- 
fering. Nevertheless,  the  great  mass  of  people  do 
this  every  night  of  their  lives,  with  no  thought  of 
their  imprudence. 

"  There  are  few  bedrooms  in  which  it  is  perfectly 
safe  to  pass  the  night  without  something  more  than 
ordinary  precautions  to  secure  an  inflow  of  fresh  air. 
Every  sleeping  apartment  should,  of  course,  have  a 
fireplace  with  an  open  chimney,  and  in  cold  weathei 
it  is  well  if  the  grate  contains  a  small  fire,  at  least 
enough  to  create  an  upward  current  to  carry  off  the 
vitiated  air  of  the  room.  In  all  such  cases,  however, 
when  a  fire  is  used,  it  is  necessary  to  see  that  the  air 
drawn  into  the  room  comes  from  the  outside  of  the 
house. 

"  Summer  and  winter,  with  or  without  the  use  of 
fires,  it  is  well  to  have  a  free  ingress  for  pure  air. 
This  should  be  the  ventilator's  first  concern.  Foul 
air  will  find  an  exit  if  pure  air  is  admitted  in  suffi- 
cient quantity,  but  it  is  not  certain  that  pure  air  will 
not  also  be  drawn  away.  So  far  as  sleeping  rooms 
are  concerned  it  is  wise  to  let  in  the  air  from  without 
The  aim  must  be  to  accomplish  the  object  without 
causing  a  great  fall  of  temperature.  The  windows 
may  be  drawn  down  an  inch  or  two  at  the  top  with 


OPEN  FIREPLACES.  I65 

advantage,  and  a  fold  of  muslin  will  form  a  '  ventila- 
tor' to  take  off  the  feeling  of  draft.  This  with  an 
open  fireplace  will  generally  suffice,  and  produce  no 
unpleasant  consequences,  even  when  tne  weather  is 
cold." 

While  the  open  fireplace,  'tis  true,  gives  splendid 
ventilation,  at  the  present  price  of  fuel  it  is  a  luxury 
within  the  reach  of  few.  Yet,  taking  into  considera- 
tion how  effectually  it  "slams  the  door  on  the  doc- 
tor's nose,"  it  is  an  economical  investment. 

Recently  there  have  been  open  stoves,  constructed 
on  a  new  principle,  that  are  very  desirable.  They 
are  cheerful  and  decorative  in  appearance,  equal  to 
other  stoves  for  cleanliness,  economical  of  heat,  and 
what  is  so  needful  in  every  dwelling,  furnish  a  con- 
stant change  of  air — are  in  themselves  ventilators. 

One  building  a  new  house  can  easily  have  ventila- 
tion by  making  a  dry  well  of  good  dimensions  in  the 
yard  and  filling  it  with  coarse  charcoal.  There 
should  be  an  air-shaft  leading  to  it  and  one  from  it 
into  the  house.  The  air  from  it  must  go  directly  to 
the  furnace.  It  should  be  so  constructed  that  water 
v/ill  drip  slowly  through  the  charcoal.  In  this  way 
the  moisture  and  charcoal  purify  the  outside  air, 
freeing  it  from  dust  and  smoke,  while  the  pit  cools 
it  in  the  summer,  and  modifies  the  temperature  in 
the  winter.  Better  air  is  obtained  than  if  let  in  by 
windows  and  doors. 

The  house  should  have  flues  for  the  escape  of  im- 
pure gases.  Common  grates  will  answer  the  purpose. 
An  abundance  of  pure  air  constantly  supplied. 

In  regard  to  fresh  air  in  sleeping  rooms,  Dr.  James 
H.  Jackson  says:  "There  appears  to  be  a  want  of  a 


l66  WARM   AIR    IN  BEDROOMS. 

clear  understanding  of  the  difference  between  the 
terms  cold  air  and  pure  air,  and  many  persons  do  not 
seem  to  comprehend  that  the  air  of  a  room  may  be 
both  pure  and  warm.  They  seem  not  to  know  that 
the  temperature  does  not  affect  the  purity  of  the  air 
so  long  as  there  is  opportunity  for  proper  circula- 
tion. Pure  air  is  not  necessarily  cold,  nor  is  cold  air 
always  pure. 

In  order  to  have  good  ventilation,  provision  should 
always  be  made  for  a  circulation  of  air.  It  is  not 
sufficient  to  provide  an  entrance  for  outside  air;  exit 
through  an  opposite  door  or  window  or  flue  should 
also  be  secured.  A  good  way  to  do  this  is  to  let 
down  a  window  two  or  three  inches  at  the  top,  and 
the  air  thus  let  in  becomes  somewhat  warmed  by  the 
heat  which  rises.  Here  then  you  have  warm  fresh 
air.  Now  bad  air,  being  loaded  with  carbonic  acid 
gas,  sinks  to  the  bottom  of  the  room.  Some  way 
must  therefore  be  provided  for  its  escape.  A  tran- 
som near  the  bottom  of  the  door  would  answer  the 
purpose;  an  open  fireplace  furnishes  an  outlet  for 
impure  air,  or  if  both  these  are  wanting,  the  door  may 
be  left  slightly  ajar,  or  a  simple  or  inexpensive  ven- 
tilator may  be  made  by  fitting  into  the  stove-pipe, 
above  its  damper,  another  piece  of  pipe  that  shall  be 
cut  off  within  two  inches  of  the  floor;  this  pipe  also 
to  be  provided  with  a  damper  which  can  be  opened 
at  will.  A  very  effective  draft  is  thus  created  near  the 
floor,  which  takes  all  foul  air  up  into  the  chimney. 

"I  do  not  approve,  on  the  contrary  I  condemn  the 
habit  of  sleeping,  even  in  the  coldest  weather,  in  a 
small  room,  windows  closed,  weather  strips  on  the 
doors  and  sashes,  and  every  possible  device  used  to 


COLD  AIR  NOT  FRESH  AIR.  1^ 

U»ep  out  the  outside  air.  In  such  a  room  one  must 
necessarily  respire  the  same  air  many  times,  and  the 
fact  that  it  is  cold  does  not  make  it  the  less  injurious. 
ISJature  throws  off  by  the  breathing  process  certain 
poisonous  elements  which  to  re-breathe  and  re-absorb 
is  most  pernicious.  No  one  who  is  not  robust  should 
sleep  in  a  room  so  cold  that  the  windows  and  doors 
must  all  be  closed  to  keep  warm.  A  much  more 
healthful  way  is  to  have  the  temperature  of  the  sleep- 
ing room  the  same  as  that  of  the  living  room;  under 
no  circumstances  do  I  deem  it  advisable  for  an  invalid 
to  sleep  in  a  room  that  can  not  have  pure,  warm  air. 

"  Remember  that  the  important  point  is  circulation, 
and  that  this  may  be  had  without  letting  in  a  great 
volume  of  cold  air." 

A  small  amount  of  outside  air  can  be  let  into  a 
room  by  raising  the  window  four  or  five  inches  and 
fitting  a  board  at  the  bottom.  There  is  a  space  left 
between  the  sashes  that  allows  some  air  to  enter. 
This,  however,  is  not  sufficient  in  a  small  bedroom, 
unless  for  the  coldest  weather.  "  The  only  objection 
to  a  draft  is,  that  the  draft  is  generally  not  strong 
enough.  An  influx  of  fresh  air  into  a  room  is  a  ray 
of  light  into  darkness,  a  messenger  of  Vishnu  visiting 
an  abode  of  the  lost."  Even  the  weak  and  enfeebled 
can  accustom  themselves  to  plenty  of  pure  air,  and 
also  to  drafts. 

To  test  the  condition  of  a  sleeping  room,  leave  it 
closed  in  the  morning,  go  into  the  fresh  air  for  ten  or 
fifteen  minutes,  return  to  the  room,  and  if  the  air 
seems  less  pure  than  the  outside  air  the  ventilation  is 
imperfect.  The  nose  is  a  sentinel  to  warn  us  of  danger. 
It  should  be  educated  to  tell  the  condition  of  the 


I68  LIME  AND  CHARCOAL. 

air  we  breathe.  What  a  benefit  to  mankind  if  some 
one  would  invent  a  gauge  to  determine  the  amount 
of  impurities  in  the  air,  as  heat  is  tested  by  a  ther- 
mometer. Would  it  not  on  many  occasions  give  us 
startling  revelations."* 

To  aid  in  improving  the  air  of  a  house,  and  especi- 
ally of  a  sleeping  room,  we  have  a  safe,  efficient  and 
economical  means  in  the  use  of  unslaked  lime  and 
charcoal.  A  small  basket  of  these  should  be  placed 
in  every  invalid's  room,  or  where  children  sleep, 
for  the  purpose  of  absorbing  the  carbonic  acid  gas  ol 
the  lungs,  and  the  effluvium  of  the  human  body. 

The  discovery  of  this  simple  method  is  attributed 
to  Dr.  Bonizzardi,  of  Italy.  He  claims,  "That  peo- 
ple die  much  more  rapidly  through  the  deleterious 
effects  of  miasma  and  carbonic  acid  gas  than  by  the 
want  of  oxygen  in  the  air.  To  prove  his  theory,  he 
put  three  fowls  on  a  perfectly  even  floor,  under  three 
glass  cases,  and  placed  in  the  case  containing  the 
first  bird  nothing  but  the  fowl,  in  the  second  one  a 
piece  of  unslaked  lime,  while  the  third  contained 
some  pieces  of  charcoal.  In  half  an  hour  after  the 
birds  were  confined  he  examined  them,  and  found 
that  the  bird  having  neither  lime  nor  charcoal  was 
dead,  that  the  one  in  the  second  case  containing  the 
unslaked  lime  was  barely  alive,  while  the  bird  in  the 
case  containing  charcoal  was  quite  active,  and 
showed  no  sign  of  suffering. 

"The  first  fowl,  having  neither  lime  to  absorb  the 
carbonic  acid  gas  of  the  lungs,  nor  charcoal  to  col- 
lect on  its  surface  the  effluvium  of  the  surrounding 
air,  died  of  blood  poisoning,  produced  solely  by  the 
action  of  the  carbonic  acid  expelled  from  the  lungs. 


A  DAILY  SIESTA.  Vct^ 

"The  fowl  that  was  supplied  with  the  lime  was 
only  quite  ill,  because  the  lime  had  removed  one  of 
the  causes  of  death  by  absorbing  the  carbonic  acid 
gas;  while  the  bird  confined  in  the  case  containitt^ 
the  charcoal  was  only  slightly  indisposed  or  ilil, 
because  the  charcoal  absorbed  all  the  exhalations  oli 
the  lungs  and  body. 

"These  experiments  prove  that  people  die  far 
more  quickly  from  the  deleterious  action  of  bodily 
exhalations  than  from  any  deficiency  of  oxgen  in  the 
air.  The  moral  of  these  experiments  is:  That  a  small 
basket  of  charcoal  should  be  placed  in  the  room  of 
every  invalid,  in  order  that  it  may  absorb  the  car- 
bonic acid  gas  floating  in  the  air,  and  thus  render 
the  atmosphere  purer  and  more  wholesome.** 

REST. 

A  daily  siesta  ought  to  be  taken  by  the  pregnant 
woman.  Even  if  she  feels  well  and  is  not  accus- 
tomed to  rest  during  the  day,  it  would  be  far  better 
for  her  to  take  it  regularly.  She  should  plan  for  it 
as  for  any  other  duty,  and  will  gain  by  the  ability  to 
accomplish  more. 

Near  noon  is  the  best  time  for  resting;  let  it  follow 
the  bath.  She  is  then  refreshed  for  her  dinner  and 
afternoon  occupations.  This  habit  cannot  be  too 
religiously  observed.  If  she  rests  better  alone,  she 
should  go  by  herself,  and  never  be  disturbed.  Some 
people  can  sleep  better  to  lie  down  where  others  are 
talking  or  reading.  The  hum  of  voices  quiets  them 
by  diverting  their  own  thoughts.  I  knew  one  mother 
that  could  only  get  a  nap  in  the  daytime,  even  if  she 
had  been  deprived  of  much  sleep,  by  lying  down  in 


170  RECAPITULATION. 

the  room  where  her  children  were  playing.  Nothing 
they  could  do,  except  to  quarrel,  would  disturb  her. 
They  could  laugh,  sing,  scream  and  jump — she  would 
sleep  soundly,  but  if  one  wrangling  word  passed 
between  them  she  was  instantly  aroused. 

Do  not  acquire  the  habit  of  sleeping  in  a  chair, 
more  speedy  restoration  is  given  by  lying  flat  upon 
the  back,  without  a  pillow. 

RECAPITULATION. 

To  give  a  woman  the  greatest  immunity  from  suf- 
fering during  pregnancy,  prepare  her  for  a  safe  and 
comparatively  easy  delivery,  and  insure  a  speedy 
recovery,  all  hygienic  conditions  must  be  observed. 

The  dress  must  give: 

1.  Freedom  of  movements; 

2.  No  pressure  upon  any  part  of  the  body; 

3.  No  more  weight  than  is  essential  for  warmth, 
and  both  weight  and  warmth  evenly  distributed. 

These  requirements  necessitate  looseness,  light- 
ness and  warmth,  which  can  be  obtained  from  the 
union  under-clothes,  a  princess  skirt  and  dress,  with 
a  shoe  that  allows  full  development  and  use  of  the 
foot.  While  decoration  and  elegance  are  desirable, 
they  should  not  sacrifice  comfort  and  convenience. 

Let  the  diet  be  light,  plain  and  nutritious. 
Avoid  fats  and  sweets,  relying  mainly  upon  fruits 
and  grains  that  contain  little  of  the  mineral  salts. 
By  this  diet  bilious  and  inflammatory  conditions  are 
overcome,  the  development  of  bone  in  the  fetus 
lessened,  and  muscles  necessary  in  labor  nourished 
and  strengthened. 

Exercise  should  be  sufficient  and  of  such  a  char- 


A  REVIEW  LESSON.  I7I 

acter  as  will  bring  into  action  gently  every  muscle 
of  the  body;  but  must  particularly  develop  the  mus- 
cles of  the  trunk,  abdomen  and  groin,  that  are  spe- 
cially called  into  action  in  labor.  Exercise,  taken 
faithfully  and  systematically,  more  than  any  other 
means  assists  assimilative  processes  and  stimulates 
the  organs  of  excretion  to  healthy  action. 

Bathing  must  be  freque;  t  and  regular.  Unless  in 
special  conditions  the  best  results  are  obtained  from 
tepid  or  cold  bathing  which  invigorates  the  system, 
and  overcomes  nervousness.  The  sitz-bath  is  the 
best  therapeutic  and  hygienic  measure  within  the 
reach  of  the  pregnant  woman. 

Therefore,  to  establish  conditions  which  will  over- 
come many  previous  infractions  of  law,  dress  natur- 
ally and  physiologically;  live  much  of  the  time  oiUof 
doors;  have  abundance  of  fresh  air  in  the  house;  let 
exercise  \iQ  sufficient  a,nd  systematic;  pursue  a  diet  of 
fridt,  rice  and  vegetables;  regular  rest  must  be  faith- 
fully taken;  abstain  from  the  sexual  relation.  To 
those  who  will  commit  themselves  to  this  course  of 
life,  patiently  and  persistently  carrying  it  out  through 
the  period  of  gestation,  the  possibilities  of  attaining 
a  healthy,  natural,  painless  parturition  will  be  re- 
markably increased. 

If  the  first  experiment  should  not  result  in  a  pain- 
less labor,  it,  without  doubt,  will  prove  the  begin- 
ning of  sound  health.  Persisted  in  through  years  of 
married  life,  the  ultimate  result  will  be  more  and 
more  closely  approximated,  while  there  will  be  less 
danger  of  post  partum  diseases;  and  better  and  more 
vigorous  children  will  be  produced. 

Then  pregnancy  by  every  true  woman   will  be 


172  MRS.   STANTON'S  TESTIMONY. 

desired,  and  instead  of  being  a  period  of  disease, 
suffering  and  direful  forebodings,  will  become  a 
period  of  health,  exalted  pleasure  and  holiest  antic- 
ipations. Motherhood  will  be  deemed  the  choicest 
of  earth's  blessings;  women  will  rejoice  in  a  glad 
maternity,  and  for  any  self-denial  will  be  compen- 
sated by  healthy,  happy,  buoyant,  grateful  children. 

Elizabeth  Cady  Stanton,  in  a  lecture  to  ladies, 
thus  strongly  states  her  views  regarding  maternity 
and  painless  parturition:  "We  must  educate  our 
daughters  to  think  that  motherhood  is  grand,  and 
that  God  never  cursed  it.  That  the  curse,  if  it  be 
one,  may  be  rolled  ofT,  as  man  has  rolled  away  that 
of  labor;  as  it  has  been  rolled  from  the  descendants 
of  Ham.  My  mission  among  women  is  to  preach 
this  new  gospel.  If  you  suffer,  it  is  not  because  you 
are  cursed  of  God,  but  because  you  violate  his  laws. 
What  an  incubus  it  would  take  from  woman  could 
she  be  educated  to  know  that  the  pains  of  maternity 
are  no  curse  upon  her  kind.  We  know  that  among 
the  Indians  the  squaws  do  not  suffer  in  childbirth. 
They  will  step  aside  from  the  ranks,  even  on  the 
march,  and  return  in  a  short  time  bearing  with  them 
the  new-born  child.  What  an  absurdity,  then,  to 
suppose  that  only  enlightened  Christian  women  are 
cursed. 

"  But  one  word  of  fact  is  worth  a  volume  of  philos- 
ophy; let  me  give  you  some  of  my  own  experience. 
I  am  the  mother  of  seven  children.  My  girlhood 
was  spent  mostly  in  the  open  air.  I  early  imbibed 
the  idea  that  a  girl  is  just  as  good  as  a  boy,  and  I  car- 
ried it  out.  I  would  walk  five  miles  before  breakfast, 
or  ride  ten  on  horseback.    After  I  was  married,  I 


FACTS  VERSUS  PHILOSOPHY.  1/3 

wore  my  clothes  sensibly,  Their  weight  hung  en- 
tirely on  my  shoulders.  I  never  compressed  my 
body  out  of  its  natural  shape.  When  my  first  four 
children  were  born,  I  suffered  very  little.  I  then 
made  up  my  mind  that  it  was  totally  unnecessary  for 
me  to  suffer  at  all;  so  I  dressed  lightly,  walked  every 
day,  lived  as  much  as  possible  in  the  open  air,  ate  no 
condiments,  and  took  proper  care  of  myself.  The 
flight  before  the  birth  of  the  child  I  walked  three 
miles.  The  child  was  born  without  a  particle  of  pain. 
I  bathed  it  and  dressed  it  myself,  and  it  weighed  ten 
and  one-half  pounds.  The  same  day  I  dined  with 
the  family.  Everybody  said  I  would  surely  die,  but 
I  never  had  a  moment's  inconvenience  from  it.  I 
know  this  is  not  being  delicate  and  refined,  but  if 
you  would  be  vigorous  and  healthy,  in  spite  of  the 
diseases  of  your  ancestors,  and  your  own  previous 
disregard  of  nature's  laws,  try  it." 

Every  woman  can  not  attain  to  as  perfect  health 
as  Mrs.  Stanton,  for  all  have  not  as  good  conditions 
of  heredity,  nor  did  all  learn  early  that  "A  girl  is  as 
good  as  a  boy."  Mothers  in  earnest  for  the  best 
good  of  their  children,  will  by  constant  purpose  and 
deliberate  effort,  approximate  the  high  standard  she 
established,  and  emulate  her  example  in  using  the 
means  to  enhance  desired  results. 

** For  life  is  not  to  live,  but  to  be  well." 


CHAPTER  XIIL 


PARTURITION. 

The  honr  arrives,  the  moment  wished  and  feared; 
The  child  is  born  by  many  a  pang  endured! 
And  now  the  mother's  ear  has  caught  his  cry; 
Ob!  grant  the  cherub  to  her  asking  eye! 

Labor  is  effected  by  dilatation  of  the  cervix  uteri 
and  contraction  of  the  uterine  and  abdominal  muscles. 
This  dilatation  is  the  first  stage.  In  the  second, 
expulsive  efforts  occur,  causing  the  advance  and  birth 
of  the  child.  The  action  of  the  uterus  in  expelling 
the  fetus  is  analagous  to  that  of  the  rectum  in  expel- 
ling its  contents.  In  each  case  the  abdominal  muscles 
powerfully  co-operate  with  the  peristaltic  action  of 
the  organ.  Uterine  contractions,  once  established, 
continue  intermittently  until  the  contents  are  ex- 
pelled. These  contractions  are  usually  attended  and 
recognized  by  pain.    They  are  called  labor  pains. 

It  is  well  established  by  physiologists  that  the  suf- 
fering attendant  upon  labor  is  abnormal,  and  only  a 
result  of  the  violation  of  nature's  laws;  that  by  a 
more  or  less  thorough  compliance  with  those  laws, 
most  women  can  approximate  to  a  condition  in  which 
there  shall  be  no  suffering  in  childbirth. 

A  few  days  preceding  labor,  there  is  usually  a 
muco-sanguineous  discharge  from  the  vagina.  This 
is  called  the  show.    It  indicates  dilatation  of  the  cer< 


RATIONALE  OF  LABOR.  1/$ 

vix  and  relaxation  of  the  vagina.  It  is  often  accom- 
panied by  malaise  and  restlessness,  and  in  some  by- 
headache  and  loss  of  appetite, 

In  96  per  cent,  of  all  cases,  the  head  of  the  child  is 
the  presenting  part.  At  first  the  long  diameter  of 
the  head  is  in  the  oblique  diameter  of  the  pelvis;  as 
it  passes  the  pelvic  brim,  it  turns  so  as  to  lie  across 
from  back  to  front,  the  chin  pressing  upon  the 
breast,  and  the  crown  of  the  head  advancing.  The 
first  pains  are  grinding,  scattered  and  irregular,  felt 
mostly  in  the  anterior  portion  of  the  pelvis  and  groin. 
With  these,  dilatation  of  the  os  progresses,  which  is 
often  accompanied  by  severe  sufferings,  especially 
when  diseased  conditions  exist.  Afterward  the 
pains  are  in  the  abdomen.  As  the  head  advances 
there  is  great  suffering  in  back,  hips  and  groin,  with 
a  disposition  to  bear  down. 

This  disposition  need  never  be  urged  by  attendant, 
nor  forced  by  the  patient.  Old  ladies  often  say, 
"Bear  down!  make  an  effort!"  supposing  that  this 
will  facilitate  labor.  The  fact  is  that  these  attempts 
to  assist  nature  are  retarding  instead  of  helpful,  and 
are  often  the  cause  of  accidents.  Nature  indicates 
all  effort  essential  to  progress. 

The  bag  of  waters  consists  of  the  membranes  which 
enclose  the  fetus  and  liquor-amnii. 

Protruding  through  the  os,  when  dilatation  is 
effected,  it  precedes  the  head,  prepares  the  way  for 
it,  and  lessens  the  liability  of  contusion  of  the  soft 
parts.  These  membranes  usually  rupture  with  an 
expulsive  effort,  before  the  close  of  the  labor.  The 
uterus  then  contracts  firmly  on  the  body  of  the 
child,  and  labor  advances  rapidly  to  completion.    In 


176  GENERAL  REQUIREMENTS. 

rapid  labor,  however,  the  bag  is  sometimes  expelled 
entire  with  the  child. 

The  physician  requires  the  assistance  of  but  one 
attendant  besides  the  husband.  This  should  be  an 
educated  nurse  or  a  friend,  who  can  command  her- 
self in  emergencies.  The  old  time  custom  of  having 
a  neighborhood  party  on  the  occasion  of  an  increase 
of  the  family,  has  happily  gone  out  of  date. 

When  this  custom  was  in  vogue  both  patient  and 
physician  were  often  seriously  annoyed  by  the  crowd 
of  neighbors  who  thronged  the  house.  Many  times 
the  grand  "  set  out"  for  the  table  was  so  expensive 
as  to  take  the  whole  month's  salary  of  the  working 
man,  while  perhaps  the  "doctor's  bill"  remained  long 
unpaid. 

Conversation  should  be  cheery  and  foreign  to  the 
occasion.  Obscene  anecdotes  and  direful  childbirth 
experiences  should  be  avoided.  During  the  entire 
process  of  parturition,  the  patient  should  have  the 
advantage  of  pleasant,  comfortable  and  sanitive  sur 
roundings.  Her  mind  should  be  free  from  care  ana 
anxiety.  The  best  in  the  house  should  be  appropri- 
ated to  her  use.  Her  room  should  be  light  and  airy. 
Every  necessity  and  convenience  should  be  in 
readiness  for  the  occasion.  Provide  two  yards  of 
rubber  cloth  for  protecting  the  bed,  a  fountain  syr- 
inge, a  hot  water  bottle,  safety  pins,  antiseptic 
absorbent  cotton,  glycerine,  arnica,  ammonia,  carbolic 
and  castile  soap,  calenduline,  olive  oil,  and  cosmoline. 
Also  have  an  abundant  supply  of  soft  rags.  They 
should  be  large  and  clean.  Remove  the  seams  and 
buttons.  Old  sheets  torn  in  quarters  or  pillow  slips 
are  the  most  desirable. 


GENERAL  PREPARATIONS.  1/7 

Make  the  bed  as  if  one  were  going  to  sleep  in  it. 
Place  the  rubber  cloth  over  the  under  sheet.  Cover 
it  with  an  old  quilt  or  comfort  that  will  wash  easily. 
Have  the  bed  set  out  from  the  wall  so  that  both  sides 
can  be  used.  Prepare  the  side  for  the  patient  that 
will  enable  the  physician  to  use  the  right  hand. 

Let  the  patient  wear  the  garments  she  desires  to 
have  on  after  confinement,  having  care  to  protect 
them  by  folding  back  smoothly,  and  fastening  a  sheet 
loosely  about  the  waist.  After  labor  begins,  she 
should  take  only  liquid  food.  The  bladder  should 
be  relieved  frequently.  If  the  bowels  have  not  been 
moved  within  twenty-four  hours,  a  copious  enema 
of  warm  water  should  be  taken. 

Until  the  last  stage,  the  patient  can  assume  any 
position  affording  the  most  comfort.  Usually,  she  is 
inclined  to  change  frequently,  sitting,  lying,  walking 
and  even  kneeling.  When  expulsive  efforts  occur, 
she  ordinarily  prefers  to  recline  upon  her  back,  with 
knees  flexed  and  hips  elevated.  At  this  time,  she 
naturally  pushes  with  her  feet,  and  pulls  with  her 
hands.  A  padded  box  should  be  firmly  fixed  at  the 
foot  of  the  bed  for  the  feet.  She  can  grasp  the  hand 
of  an  assistant,  or  have  some  reliable  mechanical 
contrivance  for  her  hands.  The  simplest  is  a  strip 
of  new  muslin,  ten  inches  wide,  put  around  the  foot 
of  the  bed,  and  tied,  leaving  it  the  desired  length  for 
a  good  purchase.  In  a  prolonged  labor,  the  obstetric 
harness  is  the  most  valuable  assistance.  This  is  a 
padded  belt  for  the  back,  with  straps  extending  to 
the  knees  and  feet.  From  the  knees  are  counter 
straps,  with  handles  for  the  hands.  With  this  simple 
contrivance,  a  physician  requires  less  assistance. 


I78i  PLAIN  DIRECTIONS. 

Supporting  tJie  perinaun  is  not  only  absolutely  unnec' 
essary,  but  also  apt  to  be  exceedingly  injurious.  Med- 
dlesome midwifery  is  always  to  be  deprecated.  A 
natural  labor  needs  no  manual  local  interference. 
Although  many  authors  and  teachers  recommend 
support  to  the  perineum  in  the  last  stages,  yet  more 
ruptures  may  be  attributed  to  this  practice  than  to 
leaving  it  entirely  untouched.  A  Canadian  physician 
asserts  that  he  has  attended  1,700  women  in  confine- 
ment without  giving  support  to  the  perineum,  and 
yet  in  no  case  did  rupture  occur. 

When  the  head  is  born  receive  it  in  the  hand  and 
support  it  until  the  shoulders  are  expelled.  If  the 
next  contraction  does  not  bring  them,  put  a  finger  in 
the  axilla  of  the  child,  and  make  slight  traction.  The 
whole  body  will  soon  be  born.  Pass  both  hands 
under  the  child  and  lay  it  as  far  from  the  mother  as 
possible  without  stretching  the  cord.  Place  it  upon 
the  right  side,  shoulders  and  head  slightly  elevated. 
Wipe  any  mucus  there  may  be  from  mouth  and  nos- 
trils. Cover  baby  with  a  warm,  soft  flannel.  Make 
the  mother  comfortable.  Change  her  position, 
straighten  the  bed,  put  dry  cloths  to  her,  give  her  a 
drink,  etc.,  leaving  the  infant  until  the  pulsation  has 
entirely  ceased  in  the  cord.  This  will  require  from  ten 
minutes  to  half  an  hour. 

Usually,  as  the  child  is  ushered  into  the  world,  it 
sets  up  a  lusty  cry,  indicating  that  respiration  is 
established.  Crying  is  not  essential,  as  some  authors 
claim,  and  the  prompt  covering  usually  causes  it  to 
desist.  If  it  does  not  breathe  at  once,  a  little  brisk 
spatting  on  the  breast  and  thigh  may  establish  res- 
piration.    If  this  is  not  effectual,  dash  cold  water  in 


TYING  OF  CORD  USELESS.  !79 

the  face  and  on  the  chest.  Still  failing,  artificial  res- 
piration must  be  established.  To  do  this,  close  the 
nostrils  with  two  fingers,  blow  into  the  mouth,  and 
then  expel  the  air  from  the  lungs  by  gentle  pressure 
upon  the  chest.  Continue  this  as  long  as  any  hope 
of  life  remains. 

Sever  the  cord  when  pulsation  has  entirely  ceased  in  it. 
Use  a  dull  pair  of  scissors,  cutting  about  two  inches 
from  the  child's  navel.  Following  these  directions, 
no  tying  is  essential.  This  method  has  its  advantages. 
By  tying,  a  small  amount  of  blood  is  retained  in 
vessels  peculiar  to  fetal  life.  This  blood  by  pressure 
or  irritation  may  prevent  perfect  closure  of  the  fora- 
men ovale,  and  be  a  cause  of  hemorrhage.  Besides, 
it  must  be  absorbed  in  the  system,  causing  jaundice 
and  aphtha,  so  common  in  young  babes.  Prejudices 
exist  against  adopting  this  treatment,  as  it  is  con- 
trary to  that  usually  adopted. 

I  first  heard  of  this  manner  of  treating  the  cord  in 
1870.     It  was  so  clearly  explained  that  I  was  con- 
vinced that  leaving  the  cord  untied  would  result  in 
great  gain  to  the  child.    Still,  my  education  and  habit 
had  been  to  the  contrary,  and  my  prejudices  pre- 
vented my  venturing  upon  the  new  method.    A  few 
years  after  this  I  met  a  German  physician  who  had 
not  tied  a  cord  in  eighteen  years.     He  said:  "Don't 
be  afraid;  your  babies  will  do  better,  and  there  is 
less  danger  of  losing  them."     I  tested  it  and  proved 
to  my  own  satisfaction  that  it  is   the  best  method. 
One  has  only  to  recollect  to  wait  until  the  pulsation 
in  the  cord  ceases  entirely,  and  sever  as  before  stated. 

By  no  means  wash  and  dress  the  baby  as  soon  as  it  is 
oorn.     Consider  the  marvelous  change  that  has  taken 

12 


l8o  BIRTH   OF   PLACENTA. 

place  in  all  its  functions.  Respiration  is  establishedp 
and  the  blood,  instead  of  going  to  the  placenta  for 
oxygenation,  goes  to  the  lungs;  the  stomach  and  all 
the  organs  of  digestion  and  elimination  are  brought 
into  action;  the  skin,  also,  with  its  innumerable  per- 
spiratory ducts,  begins  its  work.  Give  nature  time 
to  establish  these  processes  before  the  system  is 
taxed  by  being  washed  and  dressed.  An  Indian 
pappoose  might  be  plunged  into  water  at  once  with- 
out detriment,  but  no  white  baby  of  this  country  has 
sufficient  vitality  to  safely  undergo  this  shock.  Rub 
the  baby  all  over  with  olive  oil,  cover  warmly,  anc^ 
leave  it  to  rest  and  sleep. 

While  the  baby  is  resting  the  mother  demand? 
especial  attention.  Contractions  of  the  uterus  wiU 
soon  be  renewed  to  expel  the  placenta.  Usually 
these  do  not  recur  for  half  an  hour,  and  it  may  be 
two  hours  before  the  after-birth  is  expelled.  Should 
there  be  no  hemorrhage  and  the  walls  of  the  uterus 
contract,  there  is  no  cause  for  uneasiness. 

For  expelling  the  placenta  contractions  can  be  in- 
duced by  laying  upon  the  bowels  cloths  wrung  from 
cold  water,  or  by  manipulating  the  abdomen  after 
dipping  the  hands  in  cold  water.  Also,  the  patient 
may  blow  into  her  closed  hand,  or  give  a  slight 
cough.  If  there  is  hemorrhage,  the  vein  of  the  um- 
bilical cord  should  be  injected  with  cold  water.  This, 
in  many  cases,  removes  a  retained  placenta.  This 
valuable  suggestion  is  a  fact  unknown  to  many  prac- 
titioners. The  placenta  does  not  adhere  as  often  as 
some  suppose.  If  attached  there  is  seldom  danger 
from  delay  in  removal,  unless  there  is  hemorrhage. 
After  it  is  expelled  it  should  be  burned  or  buried. 


BANDAGE   UNNECESSARY.  l8l 

The  mother  must  be  bathed  in  tepid  water,  spong- 
/:g  carefully  her  back,  abdomen,  thighs  and  peri- 
neum. Lay  a  cloth  to  the  vulva  wrung  from  a  lotion 
of  arnica,  one  tablespoonful  to  a  quart  of  water.  If 
there  is  soreness  in  the  pelvic  region  a  compress  wet 
in  the  same  lotion  can  be  worn. 

T/ie  parturient  woman  requires  no  bandage.  If  a 
compress  is  needed  a  towel  can  be  pinned  around  to 
keep  it  in  place.  Also,  if  there  is  discomfort  from 
undue  enlargement  and  relaxation  of  the  abdomen, 
a  banage  applied  loosely  will  give  relief.  Otherwise 
no  bandage  is  essential.  The  common  belief  that  it 
restores  a  woman's  form  is  a  mistake.  She  returns 
to  her  former  size  better  without  than  with  it.  If 
worn  at  all  snug  it  is  likely  to  cause  inflammation 
that  will  produce  bloating.  It  also  presses  the  uterus 
down  in  the  pelvis  and  in  the  relaxed  condition  of 
all  the  parts  may  cause  prolapsus  uteri.  The  fre- 
quency with  which  prolapsus  occurs  may  justly  be 
attributed  to  the  uunatural  pressure  thus  exerted. 
A  parturient  woman  makes  a  more  speedy  and  ex- 
cellent recovery  without  the  bandage. 

After  the  bath,  change  the  soiled  quilts  and  cloths 
for  fresh  ones.  Apply  a  large  cloth  over  the  arnica 
cloth  at  the  vulva,  make  the  bed  look  tidy,  and  leave 
the  patient  to  rest.  The  house  should  be  made  quiet 
and  every  means  used  to  encourage  complete  repose. 
If  it  is  night,  let  the  attendants  retire  and  darken 
the  room,  the  nurse  remaining  within  call. 

In  case  of  thirst  let  her  have  cold  or  hot  water, 
weak  tea  or  thin  gruel,  as  she  feels  inclined.  Ordi- 
narily she  needs  no  remedies.  Nature  simply  de- 
mands rest.     Only  a  few  years  since  a  woman  was 


1 82  NATURE  DEMANDS  REST. 

not  allowed  to  go  to  sleep  until  she  had  taken  a  bowl 
of  panada  and  the  inevitable  dose  of  castor  oil.  One 
woman  told  me  she  dreaded  the  castor  oil  more  than 
having  the  baby.  It  is  unnecessary  and  likely  to 
produce  harm.  For  a  few  days  torpidity  of  the 
bowels  is  natural,  and  if  forced  to  action,  inflamma- 
tion and  piles  are  likely  to  result.  Surgeons  have 
long  been  familiar  with  this  same  state  of  the  bowels 
in  other  cases.  Constipation  is  the  natural  sequence 
of  amputation  or  fractures.  The  system  rallies  to 
meet  one  great  demand  and  temporary  torpidity  of 
the  bowels  may  be  expected.  Do  not  be  influenced 
to  take  any  drug.  Simply  rest.  Surely  at  no  time 
in  one's  life  is  rest  so  sweet. 

The  long  months  of  anticipation,  doubt  and  endur- 
ance are  over,  the  hour  long  feared  has  culminated 
in  the  bestowment  of  a  gift  which  an  angel  might 
receive  with  rapture.  A  babe,  the  object  of  woman's 
profoundest  and  most  sacred  passion  has  been  given 
her  for  her  very  own,  to  nourish,  guide,  develop  and 
instruct,  of  which  even  death  cannot  rob  her.  A 
solemn  joy  beyond  words  fills  her  soul,  which  none 
should  needlessly  disturb. 

He  comes— she  clasps  him;  to  her  bosom  pressed, 
He  drinks  the  balm  of  life,  and  drops  to  rest. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


DYSTOCIA. 

In  difficult  labor  a  physician's  skill  and  knowl- 
edge is  imperatively  demanded.  Yet  a  few  practical 
hints  for  emergencies  may  be  advantageous. 

Presence  of  mind,  with  the  knowledge  given  in 
the  preceding  chapter,  will  enable  even  an  inexperi- 
enced person,  in  the  chance  absence  of  the  doctor, 
to  conduct  a  case  of  natural  labor  satisfactorily. 

Prolonged  and  difficult  labor  may  occur  when  one 
has  not  had  the  benefit  of  the  "fruit  diet"  and  other 
hygienic  measures  herein  recommended,  or  who  on 
account  of  disease  and  deformity,  has  not  been  able 
to  accomplish  desired  results.  In  malformations  of 
the  pelvis,  in  face  or  shoulder  presentations,  placenta 
previa,  etc.,  surgical  interference  will  be  required. 

Muscular  contractions  may  be  inefficient  or  the  os 
slow  to  dilate  from  rigidity.  Caustic  treatment,  so 
prevalent  for  ulceration,  destroys  the  natural  elastic- 
ity of  the  cervix.  Severe  and  prolonged  suffering 
without  dilatation  is  often  the  consequence.  (See 
Chap.  XXI.)  Few  women  realize  the  injury  done 
by  the  prevalent  use  of  caustic  treatment.  One  lady 
told  me  that  she  had  been  treated  by  eleven  physi- 
cians, every  one  using  similar  measures.  At  last  in 
despair  she  "gave  up  doctoring,"  and  by  hygienic 
methods  had  attained  to  a  comfortable  degree  of 

(183) 


1 84 


HOT  SITZ  BATH 


health.     The  time  must  come  when  people  will  pro 
test  against  the  burning  of  mucous  surfaces  as  the} 
now  protest  against  blistering  and  bleeding,  which 
only  a  few  years  since  were  universal. 

The  head  advancing  may  meet  with  resistance  from 
dryness,  heat,  and  rigidity  of  external  parts. 

The  Jiot  sitz-batJi  is  the  best  temporary  means  to 
overcome  rigidity  of  both  os  and  vulva,  and  to  relieve 
pains  that  are  neuralgic  in  character.  Seat  the  patient 
in  a  sitz-bath  tub,  containing  very  hot  water,  her  feet 
also  in  a  hot  foot  bath.  Envelop  her  with  blankets 
and  increase  the  temperature  of  the  water  by  pour- 
ing in  hot  water  as  she  can  bear  it.  Let  her  remain 
until  profuse  perspiration  is  induced.  Dry  her  under 
the  blankets  and  let  her  lie  down  without  removing 
them.  Sometimes  she  can  remain  in  the  bath  an 
hour  with  advantage,  though  a  shorter  time  is  usually 
sufficient.  The  pains  entirely  or  partially  subside, 
and  she  seldom  fails  to  fall  into  a  refreshing  sleep. 
Local  relaxation  will  be  accomplished,  the  pains 
assume  an  effective  character,  and  a  speedy  termina- 
tion of  the  case  can  be  expected.  To  accomplish 
the  desired  result,  the  bath  must  be  hot,  not  warm, 
and  continued  until  perspiration  is  induced.  When 
prolonged  labor  is  caused  by  rigidity  of  the  soft 
parts,  good  and  speedy  results  are  sure  to  follow. 
The  following  cases  prove  the  value  of  the  hot  bath: 

Mrs.  N engaged  my  services  for  her  seventh 

confinement,  stating  that  I  might  expect  a  tedious 
case,  as  in  all  previous  labors  the  skill  of  physicians 
had  been  baffled.  She  had  lingered  in  labor  from  48 
to  96  hours,  attended  with  convulsions  and  other  dis- 
tressing symptoms;  several  times  had  been  delivered 


REMARKABLE  CASE.  185 

with  instruments.  Summons  came  for  me  on  a  bright 
June  morning  at  5  o'clock.  She  had  had  irregular 
pains  all  night,  was  very  nervous  and  had  great 
dread  of  her  sufferings,  ha/ing  no  hope  of  relie*  for 
at  least  two  days.  I  fc;und  no  dilatation,  and  no 
real  contractions  were  taking  place. 

I  gave  her  remedies,  hoping  to  arrest  the  sujffer- 
ing  until  relaxation  could  be  produced,  and  left  her. 
At  10  o'::lock  I  returned,  armed  with  one  of  Dickens' 
novels,  for  a  two  days'  pastime.  Found  the  pains 
increased  in  severity,  attended  with  rigidity  of  os, 
still  no  dilatation,  but  pressure  of  the  uterus  upward. 
Although  a  woman  of  great  self-control,  she  could 
not  repress  the  most  piercing  screams  with  each 
pain.  A  hot  sitz-bath  was  administered,  increasing 
the  temperature  until  most  copious  perspiration  was 
induced,  after  which,  enveloping  her  in  blankets,  I 
bade  her  sleep,  while  I  sat  down  to  Dickens. 

She  obeyed  orders,  slept  soundly,  having  contrac- 
tions every  fifteen  minutes,  when  she  would  rouse 
and  exclaim,  "What  relief!"  "Heaven  surely  can 
be  no  sweeter  than  this  rest!"  "What  a  blissful 
change!"  I  would  say,  "Don't  talk,  don't  bear 
down,  sleep  all  you  can,"  and  still  read  Dickens. 
About  one  o'clock  expulsive  pains  came  on.  Exam- 
ination revealed  full  dilatation  of  cervix,  and  head 
advancing.  At  3:30  P.  M.  the  child  was  born,  no 
spasms,  no  instruments,  and  no  medicine  had  been 
required.  This  is  only  one  of  many  that  I  have  seen 
relieved  in  the  same  way,  and  always  find  the  bath 
effectual  where  there  is  no  deformity  of  the  pelvis. 
I  am  confident  that  this  hot  bath,  if  generally  used, 
would  save  thousands  of  instrumeptal  deliveries. 


l86  EFFECTS  OF  THE   HOT  BATH. 

Mrs.  N.  was  a  very  grateful  patient,  and  believes 
that  the  same  means  would  have  given  relief  in 
former  labors,  as  the  first  symptoms  were  the  same. 
The  only  unpleasant  sequel  in  the  case  was,  the 
novel  remained  unfinished. 

Mrs.  L ,primapara,  aged  thirty-three,  a  severe, 

tedious  labor,  with  slow  dilatation.  Gave  the  hot 
bath  with  the  happiest  effect;  patient,  nurse,  and  all 
but  the  husband  went  to  sleep.  Contractions  con- 
tinued, accompanied  by  profuse  perspiration,  but  for 
two  hours  did  not  awaken  the  patient.  Expulsive 
efforts  finally  setting  in,  labor  was  completed  in  one 
hour.  It  was,  however,  almost  immediately  followed 
by  violent  hemorrhage  inducing  fainting.  Examina- 
tion revealed  the  placenta  attached,  the  fibers  so 
closely  adhering  to  the  uterus  that  the  least  attempt 
at  removal  caused  the  greatest  suffering.  The  pla- 
centa was  grasped  and  partially  brought  down  into 
the  cervix.  By  this  interference  the  hemorrhage  was 
arrested,  and  the  placenta  allowed  to  remain  for  about 
twelve  hours,  when  it  was  expelled  without  any 
assistance.     The  patient  made  a  rapid  recovery. 

At  first  I  feared  that  the  excessive  relaxation  from 
the  bath  caused  the  flowing,  but  became  convinced 
that  it  was  only  exposure  of  the  bloodvessels  from 
the  partial  adhesion  of  the  placenta.  Its  removal 
from  the  body  of  the  womb  allowed  the  organ  to 
contract  upon  the  exposed  bloodvessels,  and  conse- 
quently the  hemorrhage  ceased. 

The  hot  bath  is  also  effectual  for  flagging  pains  that 
are  annoying  and  worrying,  and  "seem  to  do  no 
good."  In  such  cases  the  patient  takes  a  long  rest 
after  the  bath,  and  real  contractions  and  expulsive 


EMMENAGOGUES  DEPRECATED.  187 

efforts  may  not  occur  for  hours  or  even  days.  This 
gives  nature  time  to  overcome  all  obstacles,  and  the 
final  termination  is  more  satisfactory. 

Ergot  and  cohosh  are  administered  by  physi- 
cians of  all  schools  for  insufficient  contractions.  These 
cause  violent  uterine  contractions  and  great  expulsive 
efforts.  If  the  soft  parts  are  relaxed,  labor  will  be 
facilitated.  If  not,  great  injury  may  be  done.  Rup- 
ture of  the  uterus  and  laceration  of  the  perineum  are 
frequently  the  consequence.  The  effects  after  con- 
finement are  liable  to  be  even  more  disastrous. 
Among  these  are  violent  hemorrhage,  puerperal  peri- 
tonitis which  runs  a  rapid  course,  cellulitis,  milk  leg, 
nervous  chills,  gathered  breasts,  etc.  These  drugs 
are  well  understood  to  be  poisonous  to  any  one  in  a 
normal  state.  Surely  no  reason  can  be  given  why  a 
parturient  woman  may  hope  to  escape  their  dire 
effects.  Without  doubt  they  lay  the  foundation  for 
many  chronic  uterine  ailments.  Please  mark  the  fol- 
lowing, which  are  only  a  few  of  the  toxicological 
symptoms  of  these  drugs  taken  by  a  person  in  health. 

Ergot  induces  rigors,  pinched,  pale  countenance, 
extreme  anxiety,  great  fear  of  death,  violent  head- 
ache, stupor,  loss  of  voluntary  motion,  spasmodic 
jerking,  sudden  paralysis,  debility  and  fainting,  cold, 
dry,  shriveled  skin,  knotted  veins,  tongue  cold,  livid 
and  pale,  voiniti?ig  violent,  enlargement  and  pain  in 
the  liver,  watery  diarrhea,  swelling  of  the  limbs  with 
cold  surface,  violent,  cramp-like,  intermittent  pains  in 
the  pelvis  and  groin,  hemorrhage,  congestion  of  the 
womb,  local  gangrene. 

MacrotiSy  or  black  cohosh,  causes  weak  but  rapid 
pulse,  pains  m  the  back  with  debility,  rheumatic 


l88  ERGOT  AND  COHOSH. 

pains  in  the  muscles,  limbs  seem  powerless,  drawing 
pains  with  trembling,  great  restlesness,  headache 
with  soreness  of  the  eyes  and  of  the  base  of  the 
brain,  heat  and  pain  in  the  top  of  the  head,  dimnesg 
of  vision  with  objects  floating  before  the  eyes,  prick- 
ling of  the  skin,  cold  extremities,  bruised  feeling  all 
over,  dizziness,  loss  of  memory,  great  nervousness 
resulting  in  hysteria,  vomiting,  leucorrhea,  hemor» 
rhage,  etc.  Both  of  these  drugs  are  violent  in  thejf 
action  and  poisonous  in  the  doses  usually  adminis- 
tered in  labor. 

It  is  rare  that  one  recovers  entirely  from  theii 
effects.  They  cause  uterine  inflammation,  ulceration, 
displacement,  etc.,  that  are  accompanied  by  amauro- 
sis, loss  of  memory,  headache  and  many  nervous 
symptoms  which  are  ignorantly  attributed  to  the 
"last  confinement."  Rupture  of  the  cervix,  for 
which  ladies  so  often  must  be  treated  in  these  days,  is 
frequently  the  result  of  rapid  forced  labor  by  the  use 
of  these  drugs.  As  you  value  good  health,  never  take 
these  remedies  in  poisonous  doses.  If  uterine  con- 
tractions can  not  be  increased  by  the  hot  bath  or  cold 
compresses  placed  on  the  abdomen,  an  attenuated 
dose  of  the  drug  will  be  followed  with  as  speedy  re- 
sults as  a  cup  full  of  the  infusion  or  a  drachm  of  fluid 
extract,  and  the  toxicological  effect  will  be  avoided. 

Protest  positively  and  persistently  against 
taking  a  poisonous  dose  of  ergot  or  black  cohosh. 
Better  wait  for  nature  than  suffer  the  effects  that 
are  sure  to  follow. 

Instruments  will  rarely  be  called  in  use  if  women 
learn  the  laws  of  life  and  obey  them.  Malformed 
and  diseased  as  women  are,  instruments  are  resorted 


INSTRUMENTS.  I89 

to  far  more  freqently  than  necessary.  There  is  a 
feeling  in  the  profession  that  dextrous  instrumental 
delivery  often  saves  women  suffering,  and  consequent 
nervous  prostrations.  Most  women,  on  the  contrary, 
have  a  horror  of  forceps,  and  this,  with  the  tempo- 
rarily increased  suffering  aggravates  rather  than  les- 
sens the  prostration.  Remember,  the  physician  has 
selfish  temptations  for  instrumental  interference.  It 
entitles  him  to  an  extra  fee,  it  saves  him  time,  and 
possibly  gives  him  eclat  as  an  accoucheur. 

In  most  cases  where  instruments  are  now  used, 
speedy  results  could  be  obtained  from  the  hot  sitz- 
bath,  without  danger  of  subsequent  difficulties.  Oc- 
casionally a  case  may  require  instrumeiits,  but  the 
experience  of  many  successful  physicians,  especially 
the  women  in  the  profession,  proves  that  if  there  is 
careful  preparatory  treatment,  artificial  delivery  need 
seldom  be  called  in  requisition.  In  several  hundred 
obstetric  cases  in  my  own  practice,  instruments  were 
never  required  where  the  previous  preparation  of 
the  patient  had  been  under  my  own  diiection. 

Women  have  it  in  their  power  to  |>roduce  such 
healthful  conditions  that  obstetrical  inst  ..  ments  shall 
be  known  only  in  tradition. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


POST  PARTUM  DISEASES. 

"  Mysterious  to  all  thought, 
A  mother's  prime  of  bliss. 
When  to  her  eager  lips  is  brought 
Her  infant's  thrilling  kiss." 

Proper  bathing  and  diet  are  as  essential  after 
as  before  confinement.  At  least  once  a  day  the 
patient  requires  a  bath.  Ordinarily  use  tepid  water. 
Sponge  and  dry  a  portion  of  the  body  at  a  time, 
keeping  the  balance  protected.  If  there  is  heat  in 
the  back,  bathe  it  several  times  a  day.  Should  the 
patient  be  nervous  and  uneasy,  try  dry  hand  friction. 
A  compress,  too,  is  often  serviceable,  worn  across  the 
back  for  two  or  three  hours,  followed  by  bathing  and 
rubbing.  The  breasts  should  be  bathed  frequently, 
and  the  colder  the  water  the  better.  This  prevents 
sensitiveness  to  cold,  and  may  consequently  prevent 
gathered  breasts.  Three  to  five  days  after  confine- 
ment the  patient  can  be  put  into  a  sitz-bath  with 
benefit.  Let  the  temperature  of  the  water  be  from 
85°  to  95°.  This  bath  is  restful,  cleansing  and  resto- 
rative, and  is  really  as  beneficial  after  as  beiore 
parturition.  A  woman  can  often  sit  in  a  bath  for  a 
few  moments  when  the  same  time  spent  in  a  chair 
would  prove  injurious. 

Change  the  linen  of  bed  and  person  daily,  and  the 
(190) 


BATHING — FOOD.  I9I 

napkins  every  three  or  four  hours.  Keep  the  room 
light  and  well  ventilated.  The  temperature  of  the 
room  should  never  exceed  70°.  A  few  years  since 
not  a  ray  of  light  or  a  breath  of  fresh  air  was  allowed 
in  the  parturient  room,  and  if  the  woman  was  to 
touch  cold  water,  it  was  deemed  sure  death.  In 
some  parts  of  this  country,  within  twenty  years,  th-e 
bed  even  was  not  changed  for  nine  days  after  con- 
finement. With  frequent  bathing  and  a  constant 
supply  of  fresh  air  the  patient  will  not  be  sensitive 
to  cold,  and  inflammation  and  other  post  partum  dis- 
eases will  in  consequence  be  rare. 

The  vagina  must  be  syringed  at  least  twice  a  day 
with  water  in  which  there  are  a  few  drops  of  carbolic 
acid.  Use  a  fountain  syringe,  and  have  the  patient 
recline  over  a  bed  pan.  Thus  the  parts  will  be  kept 
cleansed,  and  carbolic  acid  prevents  septic  poisoning. 
If  the  bowels  do  not  move  naturally  by  the  third  or 
fourth  day,  give  an  enema,  one  quart  of  tepid  water. 
The  regimen  advised  in  this  book  having  been  fol- 
lowed, one  will  rarely  be  troubled  with  constipation. 
Beware  of  cathartics.  Most  of  them  have  a  specific 
action  upon  the  uterus  as  well  as  upon  the  bowels, 
and  will  do  harm.  This  is  notably  the  case  with 
aloes  and  podophyllum. 

The  food  must  be  simple  in  character  and  easy  of 
digestion,  especially  until  after  the  milk  is  estab- 
lished. Bran  or  graham  gruel  is  the  very  best  food 
the  first  day  or  two.  Having  been  withheld  from 
the  diet  during  pregnancy,  on  account  of  containing 
the  phosphates  which  have  a  tendency  to  harden  the 
bones,  it  should  now  be  taken  for  that  very  purpose. 

Many  are  prejudiced  against  graham  gruel,  yet  it 


v/ 


192  GRAHAM   GRUEL. 

has  been  proven  that  most  women  relish  it  better 
than  anything  else  after  labor.  In  the  Home  of  the 
Friendless,  Leavenworth,  Kan.,  are  many  cases  of 
confinement  every  year.  Almost  universally  the  in- 
mates are  prejudiced  against  graham  in  any  form, 
and  rarely  taste  it  before  confinement.  A  former 
matron  had  been  a  nurse  in  a  Water  Cure.  Inva- 
riably she  brought  a  bowl  of  graham  gruel  to  the 
mother  a  few  hours  after  delivery.  She  never  had 
one  express  any  repugnance  to  it.  On  the  contrary, 
they  would  say,  "That  tastes  good;"  "That  goes 
right  to  the  spot;"  "Can  any  one  eat  too  much  of 
anything  that  is  so  good.''"  and  similar  expressions, 
showing  that  there  was  an  actual  relish  for  the  dish. 
The  gruel  should  be  made  thin  at  first,  and  without 
cream  or  milk.  After  a  few  days  it  can  be  made 
thick  like  mush,  and  eaten  with  fruit  or  cream  and 
sugar.  New  milk,  wheatlet,  cracked  wheat,  barley, 
oatmeal,  graham  gems,  fruit,  etc.,  can  be  added  to 
the  diet  as  desired. 

There  is  no  need  of  milk  fever.  Women  have  been 
led  to  expect  more  or  less  constitutional  disturbance 
accompanying  the  advent  of  the  milk.  With  the 
bathing  and  diet  recommended  above,  even  if  she  has 
not  had  the  best  conditions  during  pregnancy,  one 
hardly  realizes  any  change  in  the  system  at  that  time. 
When  patients  were  fed  on  brandy  panada,  wine 
whey,  strong  tea,  and  beef  broth,  were  kept  in  unven- 
tilated  rooms,  deprived  of  water  externally  and  inter- 
nally, and  besides  were  poisoned  with  drugs,  it  is  no 
wonder  they  had  milk  fever,  and  were  liable  to  other 
post  partum  diseases. 

The  child  should  be  placed  to  the  breast  several 


MAMMARY  ABSCESS.  I93 

times  a  day,  even  if  there  seems  to  be  no  milk.  The 
act  of  nursing  stimulates  secretion,  prevents  engorge- 
ment, and  from  sympathetic  relation  causes  uterine 
contractions.  When  the  breasts  become  filled  and 
are  knotty  and  tender,  bathe  them  in  hot  water  and 
have  them  drawn.  If  the  child  does  not  empty  them 
sufificiently,  the  nurse  or  some  member  of  the  family 
should  do  it.  This  is  better  than  a  breast  pump, 
and  can  be  easily  done  by  remembering  to  lap  the 
tongue  around  the  nipple  until  it  meets  the  upper  lip. 

The  old  tradition  used  to  be  that  a  woman,  on  no 
account,  must  leave  her  bed  before  the  ninth  day.  No 
matter  how  well  she  felt,  the  nine  days  must  be 
spent  in  bed.  There  is  no  positive  rule.  One  must 
be  guided  by  her  strength.  Probably  few  women 
can  expect  to  be  about  before  four  or  five  days. 
The  cases  where  they  can  leave  their  beds  earlier 
than  that  are  exceptional. 

Mammary  abscess,  or  inflammation  of  the  breast, 
often  called  "gathered"  or  "bealed"  breast,  is  usually 
ushered  in  with  a  chill,  succeeded  by  feverish  symp- 
toms. Darting  pains  are  felt  in  the  breast,  which,  as 
the  disease  progresses,  extend  to  the  arm-pits.  The 
breasts  swell,  become  hard  and  tender  to  the  touch — 
even  nursing  is  painful.  If  pus  forms,  the  skin  be- 
comes dark  red,  the  enlarged  breast  softens,  accom- 
panied by  a  throbbing  pain.  The  patient  is  feverish, 
nervous,  irritable,  has  irregular  chills,  night  sweats, 
debility,  etc. 

Hot  fomentations  should  be  used  promptly  and 
thoroughly  at  the  first  threatening  symptoms.  Wring 
a  cloth  out  of  an  infusion  of  phytolacca,  and  keep  hot 
by   applying  the   water  bottle   containing  a  small 


194  INSUFFICIENT  MILK. 

quantity  of  very  hot  water.  If  too  much  water  is 
put  into  the  bottle  it  is  made  uncomfortably  heavy. 
If  the  fresh  root  cannot  be  obtained,  use  the  fluid 
extract,  ten  drops  to  a  pint  of  water.  Keep  the  breast 
well  drawn  and  persevere  in  the  hot  applications; 
suppuration  can  usually  be  prevented.  Farmers  know 
the  value  of  phytolacca,  and  use  it  witn  their  new 
milch  cows  in  case  of  caked  bag. 

Aconite  should  be  taken  internally  if  there  is  alter- 
nate chill  and  fever,  with  thirst  and  throbbing  pulse, 
one  drop  of  tincture  in  ten  tablespoons  of  water,  a 
spoonful  every  half  hour. 

Bryonia,  2d. — Constant  aching  in  the  bones  and 
soreness  of  the  flesh.     Dose,  six  pellets  every  hour. 

Use  only  liquid  food  until  the  disease  is  surely 
arrested.  Keep  quiet  and  have  plenty  of  fresh  air. 
Unless  the  suppuration  is  very  deep  the  breast 
should  never  be  lanced. 

For  excoriated  nipples,  bathe  in  a  warm  borax 
lotion,  two  grains  to  one  cup  of  soft  water;  after 
which  apply  carbolated  cosmoline  or  calenduline.  If 
the  base  of  the  nipple  is  deeply  cracked,  before  using 
the  cosmoline,  wash  with  a  solution  of  nitrate  of  sil- 
ver, one  grain  to  two  ounces  of  water.  Protect  with 
a  shield  while  the  child  is  nursing.  None  of  the 
above  preparations  are  harmful  to  the  child,  except 
the  nitrate  of  silver,  and  the  cases  where  this  is 
needed  are  rare. 

For  INSUFFICIENT  MILK,  drink  freely  of  new  warm 
milk.  Have  it  brought  to  the  bed,  and  drink  at  least 
a  pint.  Take  it  one  or  two  hours  before  breakfast. 
If  milk  cannot  be  obtained  possessing  animal  warmth, 
take  new  milk,  add  one-tenth  water,  and  heat  over  a 


MILK  DIET  BEST.  IQS 

water  bath  tc  a  temperature  of  120  degrees.  Cheese 
makers  testify  that  the  addition  of  water  prevents 
rennet  from  coagulating  the  casein.  In  the  stomach 
also,  warm  water  prevents  the  pepsin  from  curdling 
the  milk.  If  it  is  as  warm  as  the  stomach,  and  does 
not  coagulate,  it  will  be  taken  up  by  the  absorbents 
and  conveyed  directly  to  the  blood,  without  going 
through  the  process  of  digestion.  Mothers  who  have 
a  great  aversion  to  milk,  learn  to  cultivate  a  decided 
relish  for  it  for  the  sake  of  the  child. 

Dr.  R.  P.  Harris,  in  speaking  of  milk  as  a  diet  for 
delicate  mothers,  says:  "Those  who  with  ordinary 
food  invariably  fail  to  nurse  longer  than  a  few  weeks, 
are  capable  by  this  diet  of  becoming  not  only  good 
nurses,  but  also  of  gaining  flesh  while  secreting  the 
milk  in  abundance.  When  a  delicate  mother  of 
eighty-six  pounds'  weight,  who  had  failed  after  a 
month  with  each  of  three  infants,  is  enabled  by  it  to 
nurse  a  child  eighteen  months,  and  gain  at  the  same 
time  nineteen  pounds,  the  diet  must  be  an  effective 
one."  The  article  next  best  for  promoting  the  secre- 
tion of  milk  is  cocoa  or  chocolate,  prepared  with 
plenty  of  milk. 

Every  form  of  malt  and  spirituous  liquors  should  by 
all  means  be  avoided.  They  derange  the  nervous  and 
digestive  systems  of  both  mother  and  babe.  Cus- 
tom, happily,  has  to  a  large  extent  done  away  with 
the  idea  thaf'nursing  women  must  have  ale  or  beer." 
To  those  who  still  maintain  this  view,  I  would  rec- 
ommend the  study  of  the  question,  whether  the 
help  expected  is  at  all  commensurate  with  the  danger 
incurred  of  a  pernicious  appetite  being  cultivated  in 
both  mother  and  child. 
18 


196  EXCESSIVE  FLOW  OF  MILK. 

Good  digestion  is  usually  all  that  is  essential  for 
an  abundant  flow  of  milk.  The  food  should  be  simple 
but  nutritious.  Depend  upon  grains  and  fruits 
mainly,  and  by  no  means  exclude  the  bran  from  the 
wheat  flour.  The  saline  elements  in  the  bran  not 
only  stimulate  digestion,  but  excite  the  secretion  of 
milk  as  well.  Try  the  experiment  of  feeding  an 
Alderney  cow  upon  fine  flour,  excluding  the  bran. 
By  the  lack  of  milk  you  will  prove  that  the  bran 
contains  elements  pre-eminently  stimulating  to  lac- 
teal secretions. 

Oysters  eaten  raw  or  slightly  cooked  are  said  to 
increase  the  flow  of  milk.  Honey,  too,  often  proves 
invaluable.  With  bread  and  gems,  instead  of  the 
carbonaceous  butter,  eat  honey.  It  stimulates  all 
the  secretions.  It  is  evident  that  foods  rich  in  phos- 
phates are  the  best  to  increase  lactiferous  flow. 
Therefore,  study  well  the  food  table  in  Chapter  IX,  ancf 
partake  of  foods  which  were  avoided  in  pregnancy. 

In  the  first  days  after  confinement,  if  the  milk  is 
slow  to  secrete,  apply  bruised  castor  bean  leaves. 

For  excessive  flow  of  milk,  once  or  twice  a  day 
use  hot  fomentations  upon  the  breast,  and  apply 
cosmoline,  in  which  there  is  a  trace  of  camphor. 
Avoid  salt  and  liquid  food.  Wear  folds  of  cotton 
batting  over  the  breast.  In  either  insufficient  or 
excessive  flow  of  milk,  guard  against  pressure  of 
clothing.  It  is  absolutely  essential  that  the  blood 
should  circulate  freely  to  and  from  the  breasts. 

(No  one  thing  more  frequently  causes  atrophied 
breasts  in  any  woman  than  the  pressure  of  corsets 
and  padding  ordinarily  worn.  It  is  not  unusual  for 
a  fine  development  of  the  breast  to  result  from  the 


AFTER  PAINS— LOCHIA.  I97 

removal  of  all  pressure,  accompanied  by  bathing 
daily  with  cold  water,  and  following  the  bath  by 
friction.  Should  this  fail,  an  apparatus  on  the  prin- 
ciple of  dry-cupping  is  used.  This  seldom  fails  of 
giving  the  desired  results.) 

After  pains  often  accompany  the  contraction  of 
the  uterus.  It  is  not  true  that  women  never  have 
them  with  the  first  child  and  always  have  them  sub- 
sequently. Like  most  of  the  sufferings  of  maternity, 
they  are  the  effect  of  abnormal  conditions.  Women, 
who,  in  two  or  three  confinements  have  suffered  days 
with  after  pains,  threatened  with  spasms  and  not 
relieved  except  by  chloroform,  have  by  previous 
preparation  recovered  without  a  twinge  of  pain. 

After  pains  usually  occur  periodically  every  ten  or 
fifteen  minutes.  They  are  cramp-like  pains  accom- 
panied by  a  feeling  as  if  pricked  by  many  needles. 
They  make  one  very  impatient  and  nervous,  depriv- 
ing her  of  needed  rest.  They  are  often  the  result  of 
poisonous  doses  of  ergot  taken  during  labor.  The 
hot  water  bag  or  hot  fotnentations  will  usually  give 
relief.  Must  be  very  hot  and  kept  hot,  consequently 
dry  heat  is  to  be  preferred,  Administering  a  hot 
sitz-bath  is  also  excellent  treatment.  If  relief  is  not 
obtained,  and  the  physician  is  not  within  call,  inhale 
ether  moderately.     Do  not  take  it  internally. 

The  lochia  is  the  flow  from  the  vagina  which  oc- 
curs after  confinement.  At  first  it  has  the  appearance 
of  fresh  blood,  then  becomes  lighter  in  color,  and 
finally  is  only  a  glairy  mucus.  This  varies  greatly 
in  amount  and  duration.  As  a  rule  the  healthier  the 
woman,  and  more  natural  the  labor,  the  less  the  flow. 
Cases  have  come  to  my  knowledge  where  there  was 


198  HEAT  FOR  HEMORRHAGE. 

no  sanguineous  flow,  and  the  patient  made  a  rapid 
recovery.  It  is  said  that  healthy  squaws  have  no 
flow  of  blood  with  menstruation,  or  after  delivery. 
If  there  is  no  constitutional  disturbance,  there  need 
be  no  anxiety  about  a  scanty  flow.  If  caused  by  a 
chill,  fever  or  inflammation,  etc.,  prompt  attention 
will  be  required,  according  to  accompanying  symp- 
toms. 

Metrorrhagia,  or  profuse  flow,  often  requires 
treatment  before  medical  aid  can  be  secured.  Hot 
fomentations,  hot  sitz-bath  and  hot  vaginal  injections 
are  the  very  best  applications.  Recently  the  medical 
profession  recognize  that  heat  is  better  than  cold, 
to  arrest  hemorrhage.  In  surgery,  hot  water  is 
applied  to  exposed  bleeding  vessels.  Cases  are 
known  where  hot  vaginal  injections  have  instantly 
arrested  bleeding  that  had  resisted  applications  of 
ice,  styptics  and  the  tampon. 

A  lady  in  Michigan,  during  the  menopause,  was 
taken  suddenly  with  violent  hemorrhage.  For  seven 
days  and  nights  everything  was  tried  in  vain  to 
arrest  the  bleeding.  She  became  cold  and  clammy, 
had  frequent  fainting  spells,  and  death  seemed  im- 
minent. An  old  nurse  came  to  take  care  of  her  over 
night.  She  set  aside  the  physician's  potions  and  ap- 
plications. She  filled  the  big  wood  stove  with  bricks, 
and  as  fast  as  they  were  heated  wrapped  them  in  wet 
cloths  and  put  them  about  the  patient,  who  thus  ob- 
tained her  first  sleep  for  days.  The  hot  bricks  were 
kept  to  her  four  days  and  nights.  There  was  no 
return  of  hemorrhage.     She  made  a  rapid  recovery. 

If  there  are  clots,  retained  placenta  or  membranes, 
or  any  foreign  growth  present  in  the  uterus,  they 


CHILD-BED  FEVER.  I99 

must  be  removed  by  surgical   interference,  before 
uterine  contractions  can  be  effected  and  maintained. 

Pelvic  peritonitis,  puerperal  or  child-bed 
FEVER.  "There  is  a  word  of  fear  that  I  shall  pro- 
nounce when  I  utter  the  name  of  Puerperal  Fever; 
for  there  is  almost  no  acute  disease  that  is  more  ter- 
rible than  this.  The  small  pox  itself,  which  reduces 
the  fairest  form  of  humanity  to  a  mass  of  breathing 
corruption,  can  not  be  looked  upon  with  greater 
dread.  Child-bed  fever,  like  an  inexorable  Atropos, 
cuts  the  thread  of  life  for  those  to  whom  Clotho  and 
Lachesis  would  give  the  longest  span. 

"There  is  something  so  touching  in  the  death  of  a 
woman  who  has  recently  given  birth  to  a  child; 
something  so  mournful  in  the  disappointment  of 
cherished  hopes;  something  so  pitiful  in  the  deserted 
condition  of  the  new-born,  helpless  creature,  forever 
deprived  of  those  tender  cares  and  caresses  necessary 
to  it,  that  the  hardest  heart  is  not  found  insensible 
to  the  catastrophe.  It  is  a  sort  of  desecration  for  an 
accouchee  to  die." 

Thus  feelingly  writes  Prof.  Meigs,  of  Philadelphia, 
of  this  disease,  the  very  thoughts  of  which  strike 
terror  to  the  stoutest  heart.  This  disease  is  an  in- 
flammation of  the  uterus  and  its  peritoneal  covering, 
and  often  extends  to  the  entire  membrane  lining  the 
abdominal  cavity,  and  possibly  involves  all  the  pelvic 
viscera. 

The  attack  ordinarily  commences  from  the  third 
to  the  ninth  day  after  delivery.  Previous  to  this, 
the  patient  has  seemed  all  right,  when  suddenly, 
often  apparently  without  cause,  she  is  taken  with  a 
chill.    Rigors  more  or  less  severe  extend  up  and 


2CX)  SYMPTOMS  OF  PERITONITIS. 

down  the  spinal  column.  Clothing  does  not  seem  to 
impart  any  warmth.  Almost  simultaneously  with 
the  chill,  periodical  pains  will  be  felt  in  the  womb, 
and  if  there  is  not  much  constitutional  disturbance, 
may  be  taken  for  after  pains.  Usually,  however,  they 
are  accompanied  by  great  soreness  and  tenderness 
in  the  pelvis;  the  abdomen  soon  bloats  and  becomes 
tympanitic;  the  legs  are  flexed  to  relieve  the  tension; 
the  weight  of  the  clothes,  even,  cannot  be  borne. 
The  milk  dries  up,  the  lochia  cease,  there  is  head- 
ache, great  thirst,  increase  of  temperature,  a  quick, 
wiry  or  bounding  pulse. 

All  of  these  appalling  symptoms  are  accompanied 
by  great  anxiety  of  mind  and  distressed  expression 
of  countenance.  A  dark  circle  forms  about  the  eyes, 
which  are  sunken,  the  nose  pinched,  and  the  lips 
drawn,  and  the  face  is  flushed  or  very  pale.  The 
course  of  this  dread  disease  is  extremely  rapid.  "It 
will  not  unfrequently  happen  that  she  shall  die  within 
thirty-six  or  forty-eight  hours  from  the  onset  of  the 
malady,  and  some  cases  terminate  fatally  even  in 
eight  hours.  They  are  to  be  cured  promptly  or  not 
at  all.  Such  a  malady  as  this  hurries  with  hot  and 
furious  haste  to  a  turn,  beyond  which  there  is  not 
and  cannot  be  any  useful  therapia." 

Perhaps  I  shall  be  condemned  for  picturing  to  the 
sensitive  imagination  of  the  pregnant  woman  the 
possible  dangers  of  this  dread  disease.  Her  attend- 
ants will  look  out  for  it,  and  she  should  not  be  led  to 
anticipate  it.  For  two  reasons,  however,  she  should 
be  forewarned: 

First,  that  she  may  at  once  smmnon  her  medical 
attendant. 


PREVENTIVE  TREATMENT.  201 

Second,  that  the  causes  of  this  disease  being  known, 
she  may  avoid  them. 

Do  not  delay  one  moment  in  calling  your  physician. 
Having  the  symptoms  indicated,  procrastination  is 
suicidal.  The  doctor  would  better  come  ten  times 
for  a  nervous  chill  or  after-pains,  if  by  chance  the 
mistake  should  be  made,  than  that  you  should  fail 
once  to  notify  him  of  an  attack  of  puerperal  fever. 

Under  improved  methods  of  treatment  this  disease 
does  not  terminate  fatally  as  frequently  as  formerly. 

The  causes  of  this  disease  are: 

First.  The  inflammatory  condition  of  the  system 
before  delivery.  If  \}c\.q  fruit  diet  has  obviated  this, 
there  is  nothing  to  fear. 

Second.  The  use  of  ergot  in  confinement.  Puer- 
peral fever  following  poisoning  by  ergot  is  very 
rapid  in  its  course,  and  soon  terminates  in  gangrene. 
If  this  drug  were  banished  from  practice,  child-bed 
fever  would  be  rare. 

Third.  Contusions  and  bruises  from  instruments 
not  handled  dextrously  cause  inflammation. 

Fourth.  The  use  of  cathartics,  tonics,  stimulants 
and  other  drugs  after  delivery. 

It  is  within  the  power  of  every  woman  that  she  shall 
not  be  subject  to  these  causes  of  puerperal  fever. 

Some  late  teachers  claim  that  all  child-bed  fever 
is  pysemia,  blood-poisoning,  and  can  not  be  avoided. 
Why  is  it,  then,  that  it  is  notably  absent  in  those 
who  have  led  a  hygienic  life.?  Why  is  it  that  those 
physicians  who  insist  on  preparatory  treatment  sel- 
dom meet  with  it  in  their  practice.?  Others  claim 
that  the  disease  is  contagious,  and  that  the  poison 
can  be  conveyed  by  physician  and  nurse. 


202  TREATMENT  OF  PERITONITIS. 

Dr.  W.  S.  Playfair,  of  London,  who  gives  to  thia 
disease  the  name  of  Puerperal  Septicaemia,  says: 
"  The  whole  tendency  of  recent  investigations  is  daily 
rendering  it  more  and  more  certain  that  obstetricians 
have  been  led  into  error  jy  the  special  violence  and 
intensity  of  the  disease,  and  that  they  have  errone- 
ously considered  it  to  be  something  special  to  the 
puerperal  state,  instead  of  recognizing  in  it  a  form 
of  septic  disease,  practically  identical  with  that 
which  is  familiar  to  surgeons  under  the  name  of 
pyaemia  or  septicaemia. 

"If  this  view  be  correct,  the  term  'puerperal  fever,* 
conveying  the  idea  of  a  fever  such  as  typhus  or 
typhoid,  must  be  acknowledged  to  be  misleading, 
and  one  that  should  be  discarded  as  only  tending  to 
confusion. 

"According  to  this  theory,  the  so-called  puerperal 
fever  is  produced  by  the  absorption  of  septic  matter 
into  the  system.  It  is  not  essential  that  the  poison 
should  be  peculiar  or  specific;  for,  just  as  in  surgical 
pyaemia,  any  decomposing  organic  mattei  either 
originating  within  the  generative  organs  of  the 
patient  herself,  or  coming  from  without,  may  set  up 
this  morbid  action." 

The  TREATMENT  OF  PERITONITIS  should  be  prompt 
and  thorough.  Sweat  the  patient  as  soon  as  possible. 
Place  several  steaming  bricks  or  ears  of  boiled  corn 
about  her.  Frequent  hot  enemas  by  rectum  and 
vagina  are  beneficial.  If  gangrene  threatens,  it  is 
often  arrested  by  the  application  of  a  yeast  and 
charcoal  poultice.  Take  any  good  lively  yeast,  make 
a  sponge  of  corn  meal  and  graham  flour,  equal  parts. 
When  light,  add  two  tablespoons  of  charcoal  to  one 


VALUE  OF  HYGIENE.  ^^ 

pint,  put  on  to  a  large  cloth  covered  with  thin  gauze 
and  lay  over  the  entire  abdomen.  Must  be  changed 
frequently,  not  allowing  it  to  get  dry.  An  injection 
should  be  given  per  rectum  every  three  hours,  oif 
weak  carbolic  soapsuds. 

The  nutriment  should  be  diluted  hot  milk,  or  oat- 
meal gruel.     Small  pieces  of  ice  will  be  grateful. 

When  these  directions  are  followed  faithfully, 
accompanied  by  appropriate  remedies,  most  cases 
can  be  saved. 

Even  if  it  should  be  proven  that  this  disease  is  sep- 
tic poisoning,  a  healthy  tone  of  the  organs  resists  the 
absorption  of  the  foreign  agent,which  proves  a  poison. 
In  twenty  years  of  general  practice  I  never  had  a 
fatal  case  outside  of  the  hospital.  My  experience 
emphasizes  what  I  have  stated,  that  the  hygienic 
life  and  habits,  and  the  avoidance  of  drugs  and  instru- 
ments go  far  toward  preventing  child-bed  fever. 


CHAPTER   XVI. 


INFANTS. — THEIR  CARE  AT   BIRTH  AND  DURING 
EARLY  INFANCY. 

"What  am  I  ? 

An  infant  crying  in  the  night; 
An  infant  crying  for  the  light; 
And  with  no  language  but  a  cry," 

— Tennyson. 

What  more  helpless  and  dependent  than  the  new- 
born infant  !  A  human  soul,  with  all  the  possibilities 
of  life,  yet  of  itself  it  cannot  supply  its  slightest  need. 

No  wonder  that  so  great  a  wealth  of  maternal  love 
is  called  forth  in  administering  to  such  helplessness! 
No  wonder  that  the  mother's  heart  is  humbled  at  the 
greatness  of  her  mission  as  special  guardian  of  the 
little  one!  May  divine  love  and  wisdom  aid  and 
guide  her! 

The  newborn  babe  has  had  a  sleep,  at  least  a  rest. 
It  has  entered  upon  its  new  life,  and  all  the  functions 
of  the  body  are  well  established. 

The  first  thing  in  lending  a  helping  hand  to  the  lit- 
tle stranger  is  to  give  him  a  bath.  This  is  done  ordi- 
narily by  using  soap  and  warm  water.  The  vernix 
caseosa,  a  thick,  white,  unctuous  material  that  usually 
covers  the  child,  and  is  abundant  in  the  axilla  and 
groin,  is  much  more  easily  and  thoroughly  removed 
by  cleansing  it  entirely  with  some  oily  substance. 

(204) 


AN  OIL  BATH  BEST.  SOJ 

For  this  purpose  olive  oil  or  lard  can  be  used.  It 
should  be  applied  with  a  soft,  worn  piece  of  flannel, 
keeping  the  child  well  covered.  When  it  is  entirely 
clean,  rub  all  over  with  a  fresh  piece  of  flannel,  and 
the  skin  is  left  in  a  soft,  smooth  condition. 

R.  P.  Harris,  M.  D.,  says:  "As  the  vernix  caseosa 
is  readily  miscible  with  pure  lard,  and  can  be  easily 
removed  by  its  means,  the  practice  prevails  with 
many  obstetricians  in  the  United  States  of  ordering 
the  infant  well  anointed,  and  then  wiped  from  head 
to  foot  with  soft  rags,  until  all  the  vernix  disappears, 
and  the  skin  retains  an  oily  trace,  not  enough  to 
soil  the  clothing.  By  this  means  water  is  avoided, 
and  with  it  much  risk  of  taking  cold;  the  skin  is 
left  much  less  sensitive,  after  the  sudden  change 
which  it  is  made  to  endure  at  birth  than  when  sub- 
ject to  soap  and  water." 

Dress  the  navel  with  absorbent  antiseptic  cot- 
ton. Put  a  piece  three  or  four  inches  square  on  the 
left  side  of  the  abdomen,  just  above  the  navel,  the 
remnant  of  the  cord  laid  upon  it,  with  its  cut  end 
pointing  to  the  left,  and  upward — the  cotton  arranged 
to  embrace  the  base  of  the  cord,  and  another  piece 
of  cotton  the  same  size  placed  over  the  cord,  the 
whole  kept  in  place  by  a  soft  flannel  band.  This  is 
preferable  to  linen.  It  absorbs  the  secretion  more 
readily,  making  less  liability  of  an  unpleasant  odor. 
It  is  kept  in  place  better,  and  the  cord  comes  off 
much  sooner.  Can  often  be  entirely  removed  the 
fourth  day.  There  needs  to  be  no  grease  or  oil  upon 
the  cotton.  After  the  separation  of  the  cord,  the 
navel  should  be  dressed  with  a  little  simple  cerate  or 
cosmoline,  and  still  use  the  absorbent  cotton. 


2o6  infant's  clothing. 

Any  pouching  of  tJie  navel  C2Xi  be  relieved  by  using 
a  thin  slice  of  cork  or  a  piece  of  thick  pasteboard  two 
inches  in  diameter.  Wrap  it  with  several  thicknesses 
of  linen  and  place  it  outside  of  the  cotton,  applying 
the  bandage  sufficiently  snug  to  keep  it  in  place. 

The  Clothing  of  the  child  should  be  soft,  warm, 
light,  loose,  and  easily  adjusted.  Superfluous  garments 
should  be  avoided,  and  waistbands  dispensed  with. 

Activity  is  so  natural  to  child-life  that  it  seems 
almost  life  itself.  Months  before  it  is  born  a  babe  is 
in  ceaseless  motion,  and  after  birth  it  is  never  still 
during  its  waking  hours.  This  activity  is  synchron- 
ous with  its  development  and  should  be  encouraged 
rather  than  hindered.  A  child's  dress,  while  it 
serves  the  purposes  of  warmth,  protection  and  adorn- 
ment, should  in  no  way  prevent  this  activity. 

Only  a  few  years  since,  the  dress  for  all  infants 
was  cut  low  in  the  neck  and  with  short  sleeves.  A 
sensible  reform  made  it  fashionable  to  protect  the 
necks  and  arms  of  the  little  ones.  It  is  equally  as 
essential  and  is  just  as  desirable  a  reform,  that  the 
dress  should  be  so  constructed  that  the  natural  act- 
ivity of  any  part  of  the  body  is  not  hindered.  To 
accomplish  this  the  skirts  must  be  shortened  and  all 
bands  abolished.  Is  there  any  reason  why  a  child's 
clothes  should  be  so  long  that  they  are  a  burden  to 
him  and  an  inconvenience  to  all  who  handle  him } 

Many  mothers,  noting  their  babies*  constant  strug- 
gle for  exercise,  frequently  uncover  their  feet  in 
order  to  give  them  an  opportunity  to  kick  and 
stretch.  It  is  not  unusual,  also,  for  them  to  get  them 
out  of  long  clothes  by  the  time  they  are  three  months 
old. 


INFANT'S  CLOTHING.  20/ 

One  lady  writes  that  she  tried  making  her  baby's 
first  clothes  very  short.  They  were  only  twenty- 
seven  inches  in  the  entire  length,  from  the  shoulder 
to  the  hem  at  the  bottom.  This  experiment  proved 
so  satisfactory  that  she  says  she  will  never  put  long 
dresses  on  a  child  again.  Not  only  was  her  baby  so 
much  more  comfortable,  but  he  was  so  much  more 
easily  handled  that  she  felt  repaid  in  the  comfort  it 
was  to  herself.  Aside  from  this,  there  was  no  neces- 
sity of  making  short  clothes  for  him  until  he  walked, 
which  was  a  saving  in  time  and  money. 

A  new-born  child  requires  the  following  garments: 

A  Shirt  and  Band  Combined:  This  should  be 
made  of  soft  flannel  or  knitted  wool.  If  of  flannel, 
turn  hems  but  once,  and  cross-stitch  down  smoothly. 
Finish  the  neck  and  arm's  eye  with  a  button-hole 
stitch,  using  silk  or  worsted.  Lay  a  fold  in  back  of 
shirt,  to  make  it  fit  the  child,  and  stitch  down 
smoothly  and  lap  in  front  and  fasten  as  if  it  were  a 
band.  The  shirt  has  this  advantage  over  the  ordi- 
nary band,  that  it  cannot  wrinkle  up  if  the  napkin  is 
pinned  to  it  as  it  should  be.  One-half  yard  of  thir- 
ty-six inch  flannel  will  make  four  shirts.  This  gar- 
ment is  worn  mainly  to  keep  the  dressing  upon  the 
navel  in  place,  and  can  be  discarded  when  that  ne- 
cessity no  longer  exists. 

Foot  blanket:  Made  of  flannel,  twenty-seven 
inches  square,  and  hemmed  on  three  sides.  Lay  a 
double  box-plait  in  the  center  of  fourth  (or  upper) 
side,  stitch  down  one  inch,  and  face  the  same  width, 
with  a  strip  of  cotton,  cut  bias.  Fasten  over  the 
diaper  with  a  small  safety-pin.  This  garment  pro- 
tects other  clothing  and  wraps  the  feet  up  nicely 


2o8  infant's  clothing. 

until  the  child  is  large  enough  to  wear  socks.  If  the 
weather  is  cold  woolen  socks  are  advisable  from  the 
first.  However,  it  is  not  absolutely  necessary,  and 
some  mothers  dispense  with  it  altogether 

A  Flannel  Skirt:  Is  made  with  long  sleeves,  and 
is  cut  from  the  same  pattern  as  a  night-dress  or  day- 
slip.  Fine,  all-wool  flannel  is  generally  used  for  this 
skirt,  but  I  would  recommend  the  use  of  the  eider- 
down flannel,  which  is  also  so  desirable  for  baby 
cloaks.  The  outside  dress  can  be  made  as  a  Mother 
Hubbard,  or  slip,  and  where  taste  inclines,  it  may  be 
of  finest  material  and  exquisite  embroidery.  Besides 
the  diaper,  the  flannel  skirt  and  slip  are  all  the 
clothes  a  young  baby  actually  requires.  The  skirt 
should  be  put  inside  of  the  dress  and  the  two  put  on 
the  child  at  the  same  time. 

Thus  an  infant  may  be  dressed  in  less  than  five 
minutes,  instead  of  the  long,  tedious  process  of  the 
customary  dress. 

Once  clothing  a  baby  in  this  simple  fashion,  one 
would  never  be  inclined  to  again  adopt  the  long  full 
skirts,  the  bands  and  pins,  that  are  a  torture  to  in- 
fants and  trying  to  the  patience  of  the  mother. 

The  same  general  principle  may  be  followed  for  a 
child's  wardrobe  until  he  is  put  into  drawers;  then 
these  require  to  be  attached  to  a  light  waist  without 
sleeves. 

The  first  few  months  the  child's  feet  are  most  com- 
fortable in  crocheted  socks.  The  first  shoes  may  be 
made  like  moccasins,  of  broadcloth  or  chamois  skin. 
A  lady  in  Cincinnati  makes  many  of  the  latter  for 
the  trade,  supporting  her  children  and  an  invalid 
husband  by  their  sale. 


HABITS  OF  CLEANLINESS.  209 

These  directions  for  infants'  clothing  are  so  simple 
that  many  may  think  they  are  not  worth  following, 
but  when  we  see  the  little  ones  bandaged  and  bur- 
dened as  we  do,  is  it  not  time  to  make  a  protest  that 
will  reach  every  mother?  A  child's  dress  should 
always  serve  the  purposes  of  protection  and  warmth 
without  any  hindrance  to  its  activity  and  develop- 
ment. 

Habits  of  cleanliness  can  be  taught  every  child. 
The  clumsy  diaper  can  be  dispensed  with  by  the  time 
it  is  three  or  four  months  old.  Let  the  mother  prac- 
tice holding  out  her  baby  immediately  after  nursing 
it,  and  it  will  easily  be  taught  to  urinate  at  this  time, 
and  also  to  have  a  passage  from  the  bowels  at  a 
stated  time  in  the  morning  and  evening.  The  actual 
comfort  secured  to  mother  and  child  through  this 
habit,  more  than  repays  for  the  labor  and  patience  in 
securing  it.  Teach  your  children  to  be  cleanly.  A 
dirty  child  is  a  mother  s  disgrace.  When  a  child  be- 
gins to  creep  and  walk,  the  diaper  (necessarily  large 
and  bulky)  has  to  be  pinned  too  tightly  for  comfort 
and  health,  in  order  to  keep  it  in  place. 

A  BATH  may  be  given  to  the  child  every  day  or 
every  other  day.  By  the  time  it  is  two  months  old, 
it  can  be  put  into  a  bath  daily.  Should  remain  in 
the  water  not  more  than  five  minutes.  The  tempera- 
ture should  not  exceed  90°,  and  it  is  quite  as  well  to 
accustom  the  child  to  a  lower  temperature  gradually. 
Don't  trust  the  hand  to  determine  the  heat.  Always 
have  a  thermometer.  Do  not  bathe  a  child  immedi- 
ately after  nursing.  Avoid  the  use  of  soap.  A 
child's  skin  is  naturally  oily,  and  should  be  pre- 
served so. 


aiO  NO  ARTIFICIAL  FOOD  REQUIRED. 


NURSING. 

"The  starting  beverage  meets  the  thirsty  lip; 
'Tis  joy  to  yield  it,  and  'tis  joy  to  sip." 

The  newborn  infant  needs  no  artificial  food.  It 
should  be  put  to  the  breast  whenever  it  shows  an 
inclination.  The  true  mother  will  delight  in  the  priv- 
ilege of  nursing  her  child,  and  will  allow  nothing  but 
the  most  entire  inability  to  prevent  the  exercise  of 
this  maternal  office. 

The  mother's  milk  is  the  natural  fooa,  and  nothing 
can  fully  take  its  place.  Every  means  should  be 
used  to  secure  and  maintain  this  natural  nutriment 
before  resorting  to  artificial  food.  The  nursing  pro- 
cess, by  sympathetic  action,  assists  in  restoring  the 
uterus  to  normal  conditions.  A  few  years  since 
everybody  supposed  the  baby  must  be  fed  artificially 
the  first  two  days  of  its  life,  that  there  was  a  break 
in  nature's  provision  for  its  sustenance.  The  conse- 
quence was  the  poor  little  victim  was  dosed  with 
all  sorts  of  slops,  catnip  tea,  panada,  g^uel,  cracker 
water,  cream  tea,  etc.,  etc.  Remember,  it  needs 
nothing  but  the  secretion  that  is  in  the  breast,  which 
is  laxative  at  first,  and  removes  the  meconium  from 
the  bowels.  If  for  any  reason  the  mother  has  not 
milk  for  her  child,  or  is  separated  from  it,  the  best 
substitute  is  a  wet  nurse,  whose  babe  should  be  near 
the  same  age.  The  nurse  should  be  well  and  strong, 
having  abundant  and  nourishing  milk. 

The  BEST  ARTIFICIAL  FOOD  is  Cream  reduced  and 
sweetened  with  sugar  of  milk.     Analysis  show  that 


HAND  FED  CHILDREN.  211 

the  human  milk  contains  more  cream  and  sugar  and 
less  casein  than  the  milk  of  animals.  The  reduced 
cream,  sweetened,  closely  approximates  human  milk. 
The  difference  in  the  quality  of  cream  presents  a 
jreat  difficulty.  No  rule  can  be  given  for  its  reduc- 
tion. Most  nurses  leave  it  too  rich,  and  the  child's 
system  is  soon  deranged. 

To  obviate  this  difficulty,  let  new  milk  stand  from 
four  to  six  hours,  take  the  top  off,  reduce  one-half 
with  hot  water;  to  one  pint  add  one  teaspoonful  of 
sugar  of  milk  and  one  grain  of  phosphate  of  lime. 
When  the  child  is  from  three  to  five  months  old,  oat- 
meal, barley  or  bran  gruel  can  be  added. 

Children  have  not  sufficient  secretion  of  saliva  to  con- 
vert starch  into  sugar.  Therefore  never  use  arrow- 
root or  corn  starch;  these  do  not  digest  in  the  stom- 
ach, and  intestinal  derangement  is  likely  to  follow. 
Bran  or  barley  gruel  furnishes  phosphates,  which  are 
essential  to  stimulate  digestion. 

Microscopical  examination  of  the  artificial  foods 
prepared  and  sold  for  infants,  proves  many  of  them 
deficient  in  gluten  and  too  abundant  in  starch  to 
make  them  desirable  nutriment.  The  following  ex- 
tract from  "Playfair's  Midwifery"  explains  the 

"Causes  of  mortality  in  hand-fed  children. 
— Much  of  the  mortality  following  hand-feeding  may 
be  traced  to  unsuitable  food.  Among  the  poorer 
classes  especially  there  is  a  prevalent  notion  that 
milk  alone  is  insufficient,  and  hence  the  almost  uni- 
versal custom  of  administering  various  farinaceous 
foods,  such  as  corn-flour  or  arrowroot,  even  from  the 
earliest  period.  Many  of  these  consist  of  starch 
alone,  and  are  therefore  absolutely  unsuited  for  form- 
U 


212  BEST  ARTIFICIAL  MILK. 

ing  the  staple  of  diet,  on  account  of  the  total  absence 
of  nitrogenous  elements.  Independently  of  this,  it  has 
been  shown  that  the  saliva  of  infants  has  not  at  first 
the  digestive  action  on  starch  that  it  subsequently 
acquires,  and  this  affords  a  further  explanation  of  its 
so  constantly  producing  intestinal  derangement. 
Reason,  as  well  as  experience,  abundantly  proves  that 
the  object  to  be  aimed  at  in  hand-feeding  is  to  imitate 
as  nearly  as  possible  the  food  which  nature  supplies 
for  the  newborn  child,  and  therefore  the  obvious 
course  is  to  use  milk  from  some  animal,  so  treated  as 
to  make  it  resemble  human  milk  as  nearly  as  may  be. 
"Artificial  human  milk.— An  admirable  plan  of 
treating  cow's  milk,  so  as  to  reduce  it  to  almost  ab- 
solute chemical  identity  with  human  milk  has  been 
devised  by  Professor  Frankland,  to  whom  I  am  in- 
debted for  permission  to  insert  the  receipt.  I  have 
followed  this  method  in  many  cases,  and  find  it  far 
superior  to  the  usual  one,  as  it  produces  an  exact  and 
uniform  compound.  With  a  little  practice  nurses  can 
employ  it  with  no  more  trouble  than  the  ordinary  mix- 
ing of  cow's  milk  with  water  and  sugar.  The  follow- 
ing extracts  from  Dr.  Frankland's  work  will  explain 
the  principles  on  which  the  preparation  of  the  artifi- 
cial human  milk  is  founded:  'The  rearing  of  infants, 
who  can  not  be  supplied  with  their  natural  food,  is 
notoriously  difficult  and  uncertain,  owing  chiefly  to 
the  great  difference  in  the  chemical  composition  of 
human  milk  and  cow's  milk.  The  latter  is  much 
richer  in  casein,  and  poorer  in  milk-sugar  than  the 
former,  whilst  asses'  milk,  which  is  sometimes  used 
for  feeding  infants,  is  too  poor  in  casein  and  butter, 
although  the  proportion  of  sugar  is  nearly  the  same 


ANALYSIS  or  MILK.  213 

as  in  human  milk.  The  relation  of  the  three  kinds 
of  milk  to  each  other  are  clearly  seen  from  the  fol- 
lowing- analytical  numbers,  which  express  the  f>er- 
centage  amounts  of  the  different  constituents: 

Woman.  Ass  Cow. 

Casein 2.7  1.7  4.2 

Butter 3.5  1.3  3.8 

Milk-sugar 5.0  4.5  3.8 

Salts 2  .5  .7 

These  numbers  show  that  by  the  removal  of  one- 
third  of  the  casein  from  cow's  milk,  and  the  addition 
of  about  one-third  more  milk-sugar,  a  liquid  is  ob- 
tained which  closely  approaches  human  milk  in  com- 
position, the  percentage  amounts  of  the  four  chief 
constituents  being  as  follows: 

Casein 2.8 

Butter 3.8 

Milk-sugar $.0 

Salts 7 

The  following  is  the  mode  of  preparing  the  milk: 
Allow  one-third  of  a  pint  of  new  milk  to  stand  for 
about  twelve  hours,  remove  the  cream  and  add  to  it 
two-thirds  of  a  pint  of  new  milk,  as  fresh  from  tho 
cow  as  possible.  Into  the  one-third  of  a  pint  of  blue 
milk  left  after  the  abstraction  of  the  cream,  put  a 
piece  of  rennet  about  one  inch  square.  Set  the  ves' 
sel  in  warm  water,  until  the  milk  is  fully  curdled,  an 
operation  requiring  from  five  to  fifteen  minutes,  ac- 
cording to  the  activity  of  the  rennet,  which  should 
be  removed  as  soon  as  the  curdling  commences,  and 
put  into  an  egg  cup  for  use  on  subsequent  occasions, 


>I4  AVOID   RUBBER  NIPPLES. 

IS  it  may  be  employed  daily  for  a  month  or  two. 
Break  up  the  curd  repeatedly,  and  carefully  separate 
the  whole  of  the  whey,  which  should  then  be  rapidly 
heated  to  boiling  in  a  small  tin  pan  placed  over  a 
spirit  or  gas  lamp.  During  the  heating  a  further 
quantity  of  casein,  technically  called  '  fleetings,' 
separates,  and  must  be  removed  by  straining  through 
muslin.  Now  dissolve  no  grains  of  powdered  sugar 
of  milk  in  the  hot  whey,  and  mix  it  with  the  two- 
thirds  of  a  pint  of  new  milk,  to  which  the  cream  from 
the  other  third  of  a  pint  was  added,  as  already  de- 
scribed. The  artificial  milk  should  be  used  within 
twelve  hours  of  its  preparation,  and  it  is  almost  need- 
less to  add  that  all  the  vessels  employed  in  its  manu- 
facture and  administration  should  be  kept  scrupu- 
lously clean. 

Any  babe  can  be  fed  from  the  first  with  a  spoon, 
and  in  a  few  weeks  it  will  drink  from  a  cup  or  glass. 
When  it  seems  necessary  to  use  the  nursing  bottle 
the  utmost  care  should  be  taken  to  keep  it  clean  and 
sweet.  Two  bottles  should  be  used  alternately.  The 
one  not  in  use  should  be  thoroughly  rinsed,  and  then 
laid  (without  the  nipple)  in  an  earthern  or  granite 
dish,  containing  a  solution  of  common  soda.  Let  it 
remain  there  until  needed,  then  rinse  it  well,  and 
you  may  feel  that  it  is  in  good  condition.  Cleanse 
the  nipple  by  hand.     Do  not  use  the  rubber  tube. 

A  young  babe  should  not  be  fed  more  frequently 
than  once  in  two  hours,  and  by  the  time  it  is  three 
months  old  once  in  three  hours  is  preferable. 
Most  children,  when  four  or  five  months  old,  can  be 
taught  to  sleep  all  night  without  nursing.  Nothing 
deranges  a  child'j  digestion  more  than  irregular  and 


TIME  FOR    WEANING.'  21$ 

constant  nursing.  I  have  seen  a  mother  give  her 
child  the  breast  five  times  during  a  half-hour's  con- 
versation. It  is  unreasonable  to  suppose  that  a  child 
is  hungry  every  time  it  nestles  and  frets.  Consider 
the  time  since  it  has  nursed,  and  look  for  other  causes 
of  uneasiness  before  giving  it  the  breast. 

A  babe  should  be  weaned  when  it  is  from  twelve 
to  eighteen  months  old.  The  exact  time  depends 
largely  upon  its  development,  and  also  upon  the 
mother's  condition.  Begin  weaning  by  omitting 
nursing  once  a  day  for  several  days,  then  twice  a  day, 
and  so  on.  In  this  way  the  little  one  is  weaned  al- 
most, or  quite  unconsciously,  is  never  for  a  minute 
unhappy,  and  the  mother  is  saved  great  anxiety 
and  worry.  Before  weaning  and  some  time  after, 
it  should  be  fed  upon  oatmeal,  barley  meal,  wheat 
meal,  graham  bread  and  milk,  wheatlet,  etc.  The 
digestive  organs  are  not  in  a  condition  for  a 
mixed  diet  until  the  teeth  are  developed,  and,  as  has 
been  indicated  above,  the  saliva  is  not  yet  an  efficient 
aid  for  digesting  starchy  food.  Many  a  case  of  sum- 
mer complaint,  convulsions,  etc.,  is  due  to  the  meat, 
pie  and  cake  upon  which  the  child  has  been  fed. 

Meat-fed  children  are  cross,  irritable  and  quarrel- 
some. Some  three  years  since  a  kind,  conscientious 
mother  said:  "The  greatest  trial  of  my  life  is  that 
my  children  quarrel  so  with  each  other.  I  cannot 
understand  the  reason.  Nothing  they  do  annoys  me 
so  much,  and  by  teaching,  persuasion  or  punishment 
I  have  been  unable  to  change  their  habit." 

Hoping  to  give  her  aid,  I  asked  many  questions — 
among  other  things  in  regard  to  diet.  She  told  me 
they  were  great  meat  eaters;  her  husband  and  brother 


2l6  MEAT  FED  CHILDREN. 

must  have  it  three  times  a  day,  and  the  children  often 
ate  scarcely  anything  else.  I  told  her  the  story  of 
the  bear  that  was  kept  at  the  museum  in  Giessen; 
when  fed  on  bread  only  it  was  quiet  and  tractable — 
even  children  could  play  with  it  with  impunity — but 
a  few  days*  feeding  upon  meat  would  make  it  fero- 
cious, quarrelsome  and  dangerous. 

She  agreed  to  try  the  experiment  upon  her  child- 
ren. I  counseled  her,  as  her  husband  did  not  dine  at 
home,  to  make  a  special  dinner  for  the  children.  In- 
stead of  giving  them  scraps  of  cold  meat,  pies  and 
cake,  etc.,  make  them  milk  toast,  tiny  graham  or  corn 
meal  gems,  cracked  wheat  or  wheatlet  moulded  in 
small  cups  with  fruit  sauce,  fruit  puddings,  etc.  Spare 
no  pains  in  making  it  attractive  and  palatable.  Dec- 
orate the  table  with  fruit  and  flowers,  and  make  the 
occasions  frequent  when  their  own  holiday  presents 
of  china  should  be  used.  Follow  this  with  a  light 
lunch  at  night,  of  simple,  farinaceous  food  before  the 
ordinary  family  dinner.  In  this  way  they  would  be 
tempted  with  the  meat  only  at  breakfast,  and  even 
then,  fresh  fish,  fish  balls,  omelets,  etc.,  might  often 
be  made  to  supplant  the  platter  of  steak  or  ham. 

This  lady  entered  into  the  plan  heartily,  and  was 
more  than  amply  paid.  In  less  than  a  month  she 
could  see  a  difference  in  the  habits  of  her  children, 
and  a  year  later  she  testified  that  it  would  hardly  be 
recognized  as  the  same  family.  The  children  were 
cheerful,  playful,  gleeful,  and  full  of  spirit — but  in 
place  of  fretfulness  and  quarrels,  were  kind,  benevo- 
lent and  considerate  to  each  other.  They  were  also 
more  than  ordinarily  exempt  from  acute  attacks  of 
fevers  and  inflammation. 


CHAPTER  XVIL 


DISEASES  OF  INFANTS. 

The  diseases  herein  treated  are  mainly  those  for 
which  a  physician  is  seldom  called.  A  few  sugges- 
tions are  also  added  upon  those  in  which  the  severity 
of  the  attack  necessitates  attention  before  medical 
aid  can  be  obtained. 

Aphtha  is  sometimes  the  resuit  of  scrofula,  other- 
wise it  is  caused  by  improper  quality  or  quantity  oi 
food,  either  natural  or  artificial.  In  bottle-fed  babes 
it  otten  results  from  the  milk  not  being  sufficiently 
diluted,  or  from  the  use  of  starchy  food.  Neglect  of 
general  cleanliness  in  many  cases  give  rise  to  this 
ailment.  The  child  is  feverish,  fretful,  and  often  re- 
fuses the  brea?'c  on  account  of  pain  experienced  in 
nursing.  Sometimes  there  is  vomiting  and  thin 
watery  diarrhea.  The  tongue,  gums,  palate  and  in- 
side of  cheeks  and  lips  are  thickly  specked  with  white 
flecks;  sometimes  there  is  a  dirty  diphtheritic-like 
membrane.  Aphtha  usually  runs  its  course  in  a  few 
days.  Those  cases  are  exceptional  which  are  fol- 
lowed by  unpleasant  results. 

Treatment. — Sometimes  the  case  requires  merely 
the  washing  of  the  mouth  two  or  three  times  a  day 
with  a  weak  solution  of  borax,  ten  grains  to  one 
ounce  of  water.  The  mouth  should  be  cleansed  after 
each  meal,  as  should  ^,l3o  the  mother's  nipple. 


2l8  EXCORIATION  OF  GROIN. 

]^    Hydrastis  lo  gr. 
Sugar,      lOO  gr. 

Pulverize  thoroughly  and  put  a  small  quantity  in- 
to the  mouth  two  or  three  times  a  day. 

Arsenicum,  jd. — Patches  of  a  dark  color;  severe, 
watery,  painless  diarrhea,  thirst  and  great  prostra- 
tion.    Dose,  six  pellets  every  three  hours. 

Merc.  Sol.,  jd. — Dribbling  saliva,  offensive  breath, 
greenish  diarrhea  with  pain.  Dose,  six  pellets  every 
four  hours. 

Excoriation  of  groin  and  axilla  frequently 
trouble  very  fat,  scrofulous  or  bottle-fed  babies.  The 
surface  becomes  raw,  inflamed,  and  often  painful. 

Bathe  frequently  in  tepid  soft  water,  or  what  often 
proves  better,  milk  and  water.  Dry  with  a  soft  linen 
cloth.  Or  hold  the  sufferer  over  a  tub  or  basin,  and 
from  a  large  sponge  squeeze  tepid  soft  water  on  the 
affected  part.  Repeat  every  two  or  three  hours. 
This  is  grateful  and  healing.  The  occasional  use  of 
cosmoline  or  of  sweet  cream  in  which  clover  blos- 
soms have  been  steeped  is  beneficial.  Avoid  nursery 
powders.  If  the  methods  advised  fail,  scorch  flour 
and  apply  several  times  a  day.  Should  there  be 
eruptions  or  ulcers  use  a  powder  of  the  following: 

B»    Scorched  Flour  Sj 

Powdered  Hydrastics     5j 

Mix.   Apply  through  a  powder  bag  after  washing 
Borax,  half  a  drachm  to  a  pint  of  soft  water,  givev 
relief  where  great  inflammation  attends  the  excoria- 
tion.    Lay  upon  the  affected  part  for  an  hour  or  two 
at  a  time  soft  cloths  wet  in  the  cold  lotion.  Frequent 


COLIC — STARCHY  FOOD.  219 

washing  and  perfect  cleanliness  are  really  the  best 
preventives  and  cures. 

Colic  is  the  torture  of  babyhood,  as  well  as  a  con- 
stant source  of  parental  solicitude.  It  is  not  consid- 
ered a  dangerous  disease,  but  the  sufferings  of  the 
little  one  are  a  great  tax  upon  sympathetic  nerves. 
There  is  no  special  age  when  the  infant  is  subject  to 
colic.  It  occurs  more  frequently  when  it  is  from  two 
to  five  months  old.  However,  children  may  suffer 
from  it  before  they  are  two  weeks  old. 

Severe  colics  are  usually  the  result  of  derange- 
ments of  the  liver,  and  when  mothers  are  badly 
nourished,  the  child  is  freqaently  born  with  the 
trouble.  The  condition  is  largely  due  to  a  deficiency 
of  nitrogenous  elements  and  phosphates  in  the  food. 
The  system  is  over  supplied  with  carbonates  in  the 
shape  of  starch,  fats  and  sugar,  and  deficient  in  ele- 
ments that  build  up  the  tissues,  such  as  gluten,  fibrin, 
albumen,  etc.  The  mother  partakes  of  food  that 
produces  an  inflammatory  condition,  and  lacks  in  that 
which  makes  muscle,  bone  and  nerve.  She  should 
be  cautious  about  eating  ol  mixed  dishes  and  also  of 
greasy  and  highly  seasoned  food. 

Let  her  diet  be  chiefly  of  barley,  wheatlet,  rolled 
wheat,  and  bread  from  graham  flour,  or  Lockport 
entire  wheat  flour,  with  the  addition  of  fish,  milk  and 
eggs.  Fruits  can  be  partaken  of  freely,  avoiding 
those  that  are  exceedingly  acid.  It  is  only  when  fruit 
is  not  eaten  all  the  time,  that  colic  in  the  child  is 
caused  by  the  mother's  partaking  of  it.  If  it  has  been 
eaten  freely  during  pregnancy,  it  will  do  no  harm 
during  lactation.  Until  the  causes  of  colic  can  be  re- 
moved, palliative  treatment  must  be  resorted  to 


220  AVOID  OPIATES. 

A  colicky  baby  must  be  kept  warm,  avoiding  all 
changes  in  temperature.*  A  rubber  bag  or  bottle 
filled  with  hot  water  and  put  in  the  crib  will  keep  the 
child,  once  quited,  asleep  for  hours.  During  the 
paroxysms  put  the  child's  feet  in  a  basin  of  hot  water, 
or  place  cloths  wrung  from  hot  water  over  its  bowels, 
and  if  the  attack  is  very  severe,  a  full  hot  bath  will 
often  give  relief.t 

Avoid  giving  opiates.  They  constipate  the  bowels 
and  derange  digestion.  In  acute  attacks  following 
their  use,  the  brain  and  spine  are  likely  to  be  seri- 
ously involved.  Nearly  all  cordials  sold  for  colic 
contain  opium.  Analysis  reveals  morphine,  one  grain 
to  the  ounce,  in  Winslow's  soothing  syrup. 

The  following  from  a  daily  paper  only  shows  that 
many  medicines  are  the  mother's  enemy,  instead  of 
the  "Mother's  Friend."  "The  Tewksbury  almshouse 
horror  once  more  calls  attention  to  the  frightful 
abuse  of  narcotics  for  which  the  medical  profession  is 
to  a  great  extent  responsible.  In  the  Tewksbury 
child's  hospital  the  nurses  were  provided  with  mor- 
phine in  half-pint  bottles!  No  wonder  the  babies 
were  kept  so  still  that  they  died  at  a  rate  never  before 

*An  interesting  account  has  lately  appeared  in  medical  journals, 
entitled,  "Incubating  Babies."  Some  physician  had  charge  of  found- 
lings, and  tried  the  experiment  of  keeping  them  devoid  of  clothing  in 
ventilated  boxes,  at  an  even  temperature  of  80".  They  were  fed  at 
regular  intervals.  They  slept  most  of  the  time.  During  the  waking 
periods,  kicked,  laughed  and  crowed,  but  seldom  cried.  He  lessened 
the  mortality  very  greatly,  and  possibly  pwoved  to  the  world  that  the 
hardening  or  toughening  process  is  begun  too  soon  for  the  best  vigor 
of  childhood. 

f  A  warm  bath,  indeed,  let  the  cause  of  "griping"  be  what  it  may, 
usually  affords  instant  relief.  —  Chcvasx. 


mother's  friend.  221 

heard  of.  An  idea  of  the  extent  to  which  nar- 
cotics are  given  to  infants  in  English  manufacturing 
towns  is  gleanable  from  the  deposition  of  a  Hanley 
chemist  before  a  coroner's  jury.  He  testified  that  he 
made  up  and  sold  six  gallons  a  day  of  an  article  called 
'Mother's  Friend.'  This  stuff  contains  seven  and 
one-half  drops  of  laudanum  to  the  ounce.  With  this 
it  is  customary  to  dose  their  babies  so  that  they  shall 
sleep  during  the  time  the  young  mothers  are  engaged 
at  the  factories.  Of  course  the  infant  mortality  of 
the  place  is  frightful. 

"In  contradistinction  to  this  practiee  of  barbar- 
ously working  young  mothers,  Mr.  Schneider,  the 
owner  of  the  great  Creuzot  iron  works  in  France, 
compels  a  mother  to  stay  from  work  for  a  few  months 
before  and  after  a  child  is  born.  For  the  carrying 
out  of  this  humane  purpose  he  has  created  a  fund 
out  of  which  the  wages  of  the  mother  during  the 
period  of  her  incapacity  are  paid." 

Convulsions,  brain  fever,  summer  complaint,  etc., 
are  often  the  result  of  the  early  use  of  opiates.  I 
can  recall  many  cases  where  spasms  in  summer  com- 
plaint were  caused  evidently  and  directly  by  the  use 
of  opiates  employed  to  check  a  slight  ailment,  in  itself 
harmless. 

For  Colic. — Some  diffusible  stimulant  is  prefer- 
able to  narcotics.  In  mild  cases,  a  few  tea-spoonfuls 
of  hot  water  suffice,  and  there  is  but  little  objection 
to  the  old-fashioned  catnip  tea. 

Peppermint  essence. — One  drop  in  six  tea-spoons  of 
hot  water  often  affords  relief.     Feed  slowly, 

Camphor^  tincture. — Pain  is  severe  and  cramp-like, 
knees  flexed,  hands  and  feet  cold,  face  livid^esDecially 


222  BEST  REMEDIES. 

if  there  is  diarrhea;  put  one  drop  on  a  tea-spoonful  of 
sugar,  mix  thoroughly,  then  add  six  tea-spoons  of  hot 
water.     Dose — A  tea-spoonful  every  ten  minutes. 

Chamomillay  2d. — Stools  are  green  and  every  diaper 
is  stained.  The  child  is  very  restless,  nurses  often, 
constantly  desires  change  of  position  and  attend- 
ants, wants  to  be  carried  from  room  to  room.  If  the 
homeopathic  preparation  does  not  give  relief,  make 
an  infusion  of  the  blossoms.  To  six  graius  of  the 
bloom,  pour  one  gill  boiling  water.  Feed  slowly. 
Four  or  five  tea-spoonfuls  are  usually  sufficient.  Any 
of  these  preparations,  except  camphor,  should  not  be 
sweetened, 

Nux  Vojnicayjd. — Constipation  or  undigested  curds 
of  milk  in  the  feces.  Child  starts  in  its  sleep,  has 
short  naps  and  throws  its  head  back  when  it  cries. 
To  one  grain  add  six  tea-spoons  of  warm  water,  and 
give  every  ten  minutes  in  half  tea-spoonful  doses. 
For  colic  of  children  and  grown  people,  I  have  found 
more  frequent  relief  from  this  remedy  than  all  others. 
It  promotes  digestion,  equalizes  the  circulation  and 
feeds  the  nervous  system.  The  nursing  mother 
should  also  take  it  once  or  twice  a  day  when  the 
child  has  these  symptoms,  and  an  occasional  dose 
taken  by  both,  prevents  subsequent  attacks.  She 
must  remember,  too,  to  take  sufficient  rest  and  sleep, 
using  every  means  to  promote  her  own  best  health. 

Constipation  is  not  a  very  frequent  ailment  of  in- 
fants, but  is  occasionally  met  with,  and  sometimes  be- 
comes very  obstinate.  When  a  nursing  child  is  thus 
affected,  the  mother  will  usually  be  found  to  be 
suffering  from  the  same  conditions.  In  such  a  case, 
she   should  follow  the   directions   in  Chap.  V,  and 


CONSTIPATION  OF  INFANTS.  223 

through  correct  habits  in  her  own  system,  she  will 
doubtless  find  the  child  relieved. 

Want  of  regularity  in  its  habits  often  produces  cos- 
tiveness  in  an  infant.  If  he  is  fed  or  nursed  regularly, 
and  held  out  at  the  same  time  of  each  day,  and  as  he 
gets  older  is  put  upon  a  chair,  he  will  seldom  be 
troubled  with  this  complaint.  It  is  wonderful  how 
soon  the  bowels  in  most  cases,  by  this  simple  plan, 
may  be  brought  into  a  regular  habit. 

A  soap  suppository  should  be  used  after  a  day  or 
two,  if  this  method  fails.  This  is  a  safe,  speedy  and 
certain  method  of  moving  the  bowels.  Make  it  by 
paring  a  piece  of  white  castile  soap  round.  Should 
be  about  the  size  of  a  lead-pencil,  pointed  at  the  end, 
and  two  inches  in  length.  Moisten  in  warm  water 
and  introduce  nearly  the  whole  length.  After  re- 
maining from  one  to  five  minutes  it  will  be  expelled 
and  the  bowels  will  be  comfortably  and  effectually 
relieved. 

If  the  feces  are  very  hard,  like  little  balls,  it  is  bet- 
ter to  give  an  enema  of  castile  soapsuds,  to  one  cup- 
ful of  which,  one  tea-spoonful  of  sweet  oil  has  been 
added.  Squeezing  cold  or  tepid  water  over  the 
child's  bowels,  followed  by  hand  friction,  aids  to 
stimulate  them  to  action. 

Some  advise  rubbing  the  bowels  with  castor  oil. 
getting  thereby  the  aperient  effect,  without  the  irri- 
tation of  an  internal  dose. 

Do  not  begin  by  giving  a  little  baby  aperient  drugs. 
Chevasse  says:  "If  you  once  begin,  and  continue  it 
for  a  while,  opening  medicine  becomes  a  dire  neces- 
sity, and  then  woe  betide  the  poor  unfortunate  child." 

Purgative  medicines  irritate  beyond  measure  the 


224  INFANTILE  DIARRHKA. 

tender  organs  of  an  infant  and  ordinarily  result  in 

constipation. 

Diarrhea  of  infants  is  nature's  first  method  of 
removing  obstructions  and  overcoming  derangements 
of  the  system,  and  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  should 
not  be  interfered  with. 

The  natural  movements  are  usually  thin,  and  of 
a  bright  orange  color.  One  author  describes  them  as 
being  of  the  "consistence  and  color  of  mustard  mixed 
for  the  table."  They  are  nearly  devoid  of  smell,  or 
at  least  have  only  a  faint,  disagreeable  odor.  Many 
children  at  first  have  from  three  to  six  movements 
in  a  day.  If  they  should  increase  to  from  six  to 
twelve  and  still  not  change  materially  in  consistence 
color  or  odor,  there  is  no  cause  for  uneasiness. 

Many  an  attack  of  sickness  is  the  result  of  check- 
ing a  diarrhea  with  opiates  and  astringents.  If  the 
discharges  become  watery,  green,  attended  with 
griping,  or  streaked  with  mucus  or  blood,  are  of  an 
ashen  or  chalk  color,  or  if  they  have  undigested  curds 
of  milk,  then  they  demand  attention.  Above  all, 
keep  the  child  quiet  and  apply  heat.  The  hot  water 
bottle  is  most  excellent.  An  enema  of  hot  water 
often  gives  entire  relief  without  the  use  of  other 
remedies.  I  have  known  large  families  of  children, 
in  which  for  years  no  other  means  was  used  for  the 
successful  control  of  this  disease. 

Dysentery  is  indicated  by  mucus  and  blood  with 
straining.  It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  rectum  and 
large  intestines.  Warm  flaxseed  tea  injections  after 
the  discharge  give  great  relief.  Compresses  should 
be  put  on  the  bowels  for  an  hour  or  two  at  a  time, 
three  or  four  times  a  day. 


-SHEET  PACK — SUMMER  COMPLAINT.      225 

A  general  pack  is  exceedingly  helpful  where  fever 
attends  this  or  other  affections. 

To  pack  a  child,  remove  all  its  clothing,  put  on  its 
nightdress,  lay  in  the  crib  on  a  woolen  blanket:  wet 
the  nightdress  in  tepid  water,  using  a  sponge,  put 
a  hot  bottle  to  the  feet. 

Wrap  the  child  closely  in  the  blanket  and  be  sure 
reaction  takes  place.  Let  it  lie  in  this  one  hour,  when 
it  should  be  sponged  carefully  and  wiped  dry.  This 
pack  is  indicated  in  any  disease  of  children  where 
there  is  sufficient  fever  and  heat  to  produce  reaction. 
Remember,  the  simplest  measures  are  often  the  most 
effectual.  (The  above  suggestions  are  equally  valu- 
able in  giving  packs  to  adults.) 

Summer  complaint  is  an  inflammation  or  irrita- 
tion of  the  mucus  membrane  of  the  intestines. 
Owing  to  dentition  and  change  of  food,  children  are 
more  liable  to  this  affection  in  their  second  summer. 
They  are  then  constantly  the  subject  of  anxious  so- 
licitude by  their  parents  and  friends. 

If  the  discharges  are  only  frequent  and  yellow,  un- 
accompanied by  pain  and  fever,  there  is  no  cause  for 
anxiety.  It  is  simply  an  effort  of  nature  to  restore 
normal  conditions,  and  should  not  be  interfered  with. 
Too  hastily  checking  this  diarrhea  is  frequently  the 
cause  of  spasms  and  other  serious  affections. 

The  symptoms  of  summer  complaint  proper,  are 
frequent,  watery  movements;  at  first  may  be  green 
but  soon  become  gray,  brown  and  frothy,  sometimes 
having  a  mixture  of  phlegm  and  mucus;  frequently 
are  fetid,  and,  at  times,  contain  undigested  food.  It 
may  or  may  not  be  accompanied  by  pain.  Nausea 
and  vomiting  are  frequent  symptoms,  and  if  severe, 


226  SYMPTOMS — CAUSES. 

constitute  cholera  infantum.  The  surface  of  the  body 
is  cold,  often  in  a  cold  perspiration,  while  the  soles 
of  the  feet  and  palms  of  the  hands  are  dry  and  hot. 
It  is  usually  attended  with  great  thirst,  a  quick  pulse 
and  increased  temperature. 

Some  children  are  prostrated  at  once  by  the  at- 
tack, losing  flesh  and  strength  rapidly,  while  others 
keep  about  many  days.  Appetite  fails,  or  else 
there  are  morbid  cravings,  often  for  the  very 
things  that  increase  the  irritation.  If  the  disease  is 
not  abated,  the  fever  and  thirst  increase,  the  tongue 
becomes  dry  and  brown,  pulse  is  more  rapid,  the 
strength  fails,  great  restlessness  ensues,  the  brain 
becomes  affected,  coma  ensues,  and  death  closes  the 
scene. 

Impure  air  and  improper  diet  are  the  principal 
causes  of  this  disease.  Sleeping  and  living  rooms 
not  being  sufficiently  ventilated,  the  blood  becomes 
poisoned.  Children  are  fed  a  mixed  diet  too  soon. 
Rich  and  highly  seasoned  food  that  is  even  unsuita- 
ble for  adults,  except  in  a  vigorous  outdoor  life,  is 
given  them,  and  at  irregular  hours.  The  delicate 
organs  are  overtaxed,  and  inflammatory  conditions 
produced.  When  a  child  is  weaned  it  should  be  fed 
upon  oat,  wheat  and  corn  meal  mush,  bread  and 
milk,  rice,  cracked  wheat,  wheatlet,  barley,  and  ripe 
fruits.  Meats,  condiments,  tea  and  coffee,  and  food 
containing  fats  should  be  avoided.  Even  most  of 
the  vegetables  are  not  adapted  to  children. 

Give  them  simple  but  nutritious  diet,  turn  them, 
like  colts,  outdoors  to  run  and  play,  and  you  will 
save  yourselves  anxiety,  save  doctor's  bills,  and  best 
of  all,  save  your  children.     Blood  that  is  too  carbo- 


OUT-DOOR  LIFE.  22/ 

naceous  can  be  oxygenized  by  plenty  of  outdoor  ex- 
ercise, both  by  adults  and  children.  The  less  cloth- 
ing a  child  wears  in  hot  weather  the  better,  only  I 
would  advise  that  flannel  be  worn  next  the  skin. 
This  will  prevent  sudden  checking  of  perspiration. 
By  all  means  let  the  little  children  go  barefoot.  A 
child  that  has  a  sand  pile  to  play  in,  and  is  allowed 
to  run  barefoot,  must  be  of  a  very  delicate  organiza- 
tion if  he  can  have  summer  complaint.  By  direct 
contact  with  the  earth,  superabundance  of  electric- 
ity is  carried  off,  and  thus  is  lessened  the  possibility 
of  inflammation.  The  child  that  spends  most  of  its 
waking  hours  outdoors,  barefooted,  seldom  gets  summer 
complaint.     He  has: 

"  Sleep  that  wakes  in  laughing  day; 

Health  that  mocks  the  doctor's  rules; 

Outward  sunshine;  inward  joy; 

Blessing  on  thee,  barefoot  boy!  " 

In  summer  complaint  give  but  little  food,  and  that 
only  in  a  liquid  form.  Barley  water,  rice  water,  oat- 
meal gruel,  bran  jelly,  lemon  jelly  and  orange  whey, 
are  all  good.  Milk  can  be  used,  if  relished  and  di- 
gested. It  is  ordinarily  better  to  be  reduced  by 
adding  one-third  boiling  water.  All  of  these  must 
be  given  in  small  quantities  and  at  regular  intervals. 
The  best  drink  is  soft  water.  If  there  is  vomiting,  a 
drink  make  by  steeping  whole  parched  corn,  is  ex- 
cellent. Also  oatmeal  coffee  is  good.  The  juice  of 
acid  fruits  is  beneficial,  and  can  be  used  freely.  But 
on  no  account  allow  the  pulp,  seed  or  skin  to  be 
eaten.  Remember,  very  little  nourishment  can  be 
appropriated.  The  child,  especially  if  nursing,  often 
takes  food  on  account  of  thirst. 

A  COMPRESS  wrung  from  cold  water  should  be  ap- 

16 


228  SUGGESTIVE  TREATMENT. 

plied  if  there  is  local  heat,  and  allowed  to  remain  for 
two  or  three  hours,  then  removed,  and  the  parts 
bathed  in  tepid  water.  If  there  is  pain,  hot  fomenta- 
tions or  hot  enemas,  will  be  advantageous. 

Under  all  circumstances  avoid  opiates  and  astrin- 
gents. These  stop  the  discharges  without  removing 
the  cause,  and  if  the  disease  does  not  recur  in  the 
same  form,  some  other  organ  is  liable  to  become 
affected.  If  the  child  seems  to  need  nourishment  and 
is  not  able  to  take  it,  an  enema  of  a  thin  bran  tea 
will  prove  nourishing  without  being  irritating. 

Keep  tJu  child  quiet,  in  a  well  ventilated  room,  or 
in  the  open  air.  A  bed  made  of  the  inside  corn 
husks  stripped  fine,  is  the  best.  A  new  material  for 
bedding  made  of  Florida  moss  is  excellent.  A  child, 
sick  or  well,  should  not  sleep  on  bed  or  pillows  of 
feathers.  By  observing  these  simple  directions 
most  cases  of  this  dread  disease  can  be  saved. 

Remedies  for  dysentery  and  summer  complaint. 

Arserticum,  jd. — The  discharges  are  thin,  watery, 
yellow,  accompanied  by  thirst,  hands  and  feet  hot. 
Six  pellets  every  two  hours. 

Cuprum,  jd. — Discharges  green,  frequent  and 
small,  with  much  pain.     Six  pellets  every  two  hours. 

Camphor  tincture. — Discharges  watery,  frequent 
vomiting,  coldness  of  extremities.  Prepared  and 
given  as  on  page  221. 

Mercury  sol.,  ^d. — Discharges  watery,  gush  out, 
followed  by  sinking,  have  a  bad  odor.  Six  pellets 
every  three  hours. 

Mercury  cctr.,  jd. — Green  discharges  streaked  with 
mucus  or  blood,  accompanied  by  straining  effort. 
Six  pellets  every  four  hours. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWEL&  229 

Veratrum  Viride^  jd, — Coldness  of  extremities, 
head  hot,  thirst,  nausea,  vomiting.  Six  pellets  every 
two  hours. 

Phosphorus,  jd. — Odorless,  clay  colored  discharges- 
Four  pellets  every  hour. 

Inflammation  of  the  bowels  is  inflammation 
of  the  intestines,  involving  either  all  their  coats  or 
only  their  mucus  lining.  The  symptoms  are  rigors, 
followed  by  dry,  hot  skin;  quick,  wiry,  strong  pulse; 
thirst,  nausea  or  vomiting,  diarrhea  or  constipation; 
severe  pain  in  the  abdomen,  especially  around  the 
navel,  aggravated  by  pressure.  Lies  on  his  back 
with  his  knees  drawn  up, 

Causes. — Errors  in  diet,  cold,  use  01  drugs,  especi- 
ally of  purgatives  and  strong  medicines  used  tc 
check  diarrhea.  Remember  what  is  said  of  diarrhea 
on  page  224,  and  do  not  be  in  haste  to  check  the 
first  symptoms.  Use  liquid  food  only.  It  is  seldom 
necessary  to  give  remedies. 

Hot  fomenlations  alternated  with  cold  compresses 
carefully  adjusted,  will  prove  very  efficacious.  Hot 
enemas  should  also  be  given. 

Dentition  under  natural  and  proper  conditions 
should  not  be  accompanied  by  constitutional  distur- 
bances. Some  law  must  have  been  violated  to  have 
caused  derangements  with  teething. 

The  symptoms  of  the  disorders  of  dentition  are 
hot,  swollen  gums,  accompanied  by  feverishness  and 
restlessness,  starting,  as  if  in  fright,  or  interrupted 
sleep,  increased  flow  of  saliva,  various  eruptions  Tt 
the  head  or  body,  derangements  of  the  digestive  or 
gans.  Summer  complaint  is  the  most  frequent  of  t/  s 
ailments  peculiar  to  teething,  which  see  page  225. 


230  DENTITION. 

The  most  prevalent  and  serious  cause  for  these  ail- 
ments is  to  be  found  in  the  adoption  of  a  mixed  diet 
at  too  early  an  age.  A  teething  infant  cannot  with 
impunity  be  thus  fed.  This  is  sufficiently  proved  by 
the  lack  of  a  full  complement  of  teeth  needful  for 
mastication.  Disturbed  conditions  of  the  mother,  as 
worry,  anger,  over-heating,  and  fatigue  often  result 
in  serious  effects  on  the  nursing  child. 

Let  the  gums  be  bathed  frequently  in  cold  water. 
Lancing  is  seldom  necessary. 

Starchy  foods  and  sweets  should  be  avoided.  It 
has  been  proven  that  the  love  for  sweets  often  mani- 
fested by  children  is  an  unnatural  appetite.  It  is 
doing  injury  to  the  teething  infant  to  cultivate  this 
taste  by  universally  sweetening  its  food.  Supple- 
ment the  milk  diet  with  graham  mush,  wheatlet, 
granula,  or  bread  of  the  fine  flour  of  the  entire 
wheat. 

Keep  the  child  much  in  the  open  air.  See  that  the 
head  is  cool  and  the  feet  warm.  Bathe  daily  in  cold 
water,  and  keep  a  flannel  band  or  shirt  about  the 
abdomen. 

Chamomilla,  2d. — An  excellent  medicine  for  most 
cases  of  disordered  dentition,  especially  in  the  ab- 
sence of  fever.  Also  when  there  is  bilious  purging, 
intestinal  irritation,  cough,  nervousness  and  fretful- 
ness.     Six  pellets  every  hour. 

Aconitum,  2d. — Feverishness,  restlessness,  inflamed 
gums.  Ten  drops  in  half  a  glass  of  water,  teaspoon- 
ful  every  half  hour.  A  cloth  wet  in  this  preparation 
given  to  a  child  to  hold  in  its  mouth  will  alleviate 
heat  and  pain  in  the  gums,  and  will  be  highly  appre- 
ciated by  the  little  one. 


REMEDIES  IN  DENTITION.  331 

Calcarea  Card.,  ^d. — Slimy  diarrhea  in  scrofulous 
patients.     Six  pellets  every  three  hours. 

Arsenicum,  /d. — Thirst,  hot  hands  and  feet,  great 
emaciation.     Six  pellets  every  hour. 

Bell.,  3d. — Flushed  face,  nervous  irritability,  un- 
easiness in  sleep.     Six  pellets  every  hour. 

Pod.  2d, — Diarrhea  with  pain  of  an  intermitting 
character,  prolapsus  ani.  Six  pellets  every  three 
hours. 

Silicea,  6th. — Perspiration  about  the  head  upon  fall- 
ing asleep.    Six  pellets  three  times  a  day. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


DISEASES  OF  INFANTS. — CONTINUED. 

Worms. —  Thread  or  pin  worms  and  round  worms  ssg 
most  common.  Thread-worms  are  about  half  an  inch 
in  length,  white  in  color,  and  move  rapidly.  They 
are  found  in  the  anus  or  lower  part  of  the  rectum. 

Thread-worms  give  rise  to  restlessness  and  itching 
about  the  anus,  especially  in  the  evening  after  first 
falling  asleep.  Give  with  a  child's  syringe  a  small 
injection  of  a  tablespoonful  of  raw  linseed  oil.  In 
some  instances  annointing  externally  with  the  oil  or 
with  cosmoline  will  give  relief.  Keep  the  parts  well 
cleansed,  using  suds  of  carbolic  soap.  The  round- 
worm is  from  six  to  fifteen  inches  long,  resembling 
the  common  earth-worm,  but  of  a  paler  color.  It 
is  supposed  to  feed  on  the  chyle,  and  lives  generally 
in  the  small  intestines,  but  it  sometimes  passes  up- 
ward into  the  stomach,  and  is  expelled  by  vomiting, 
or  downward,  and  is  ejected  with  the  evacuations. 

The  presence  of  the  round-worm  maybe  indicated 
by  indigestion,  swelling  of  the  abdomen,  restlessness, 
grinding  of  the  teeth  in  sleep,  convulsion,  etc.  It  is 
the  result  of  a  mixed  diet,  and  is  rarely  found  when 
the  child  has  been  fed  on  the  product  of  the  grains. 

Santonine,  ist. — Grain  doses,  three  times  a  day  for 
three  days.  Follow  this  on  the  fourth  day  by  a  copi- 
ous enema,  one  pint  of  water,  to  which  one  tea-spoon 

(232) 


CROUP,   THE   MOTHER'S  TERROR.  233 

of  salt  has  been    added.     After  three  days,  if  the 
symptoms  still  continue,  repeat  treatment. 

Incontinence  of  Urine.— This  annoying  ailment 
is  common  among  children.  Mothers  and  nurses 
often  deal  impatiently  with  the  unfortunate  child, 
believing  it  to  be  a  habit,  which  may  be  easily  over- 
come. It  is  more  often  a  malady  than  a  habit.  In 
neither  case  is  it  ever  cured  by  scolding.  If  a  habit, 
a  promised  reward  is  more  effective  than  harsh  treat- 
ment. Give  the  child  a  light  supper  devoid  of  liquids. 
Take  him  up  once  or  twice  in  the  night  to  urinate. 
Bathe  the  spine  at  bedtime  with  equal  parts  of  alco- 
hol and  ammonia,  followed  by  hand  friction. 

Retention  of  Urine. — The  child  is  restless,  un- 
easy and  unable  to  pass  water,  beyond  perhaps  a  small 
quantity,  though  there  is  frequent  urging.  It  may  be 
caused  by  cold,  injuries  or  acute  disease.  A  full  hot 
bath,  or  hot  fomentations  nearly  always  produce  relief. 
Aconitum,  jd. — Retention  from  cold,  fever,  or  in- 
flammation, hot,  dry  skin,  thirst,  etc. 

Cantharis.  jd. — Frequent  urging,  with  total  sup- 
pression; or  the  discharge,  with  pain,  of  a  few  drops 
of  bloody  urine. 

Croup  is  liable  to  attack  a  child  any  time  from  the 
age  of  one  month,  until  nine  or  ten  years  old.  The 
attacks  occur  most  frequently  when  about  two  or 
three  years  of  age.  Nothing  will  more  quickly  make 
a  mother's  heart  stand  still  with  alarm  and  terror 
than  to  hear  the  hoarse,whistling,  sonorous  breathing 
of  croup.  A  few  directions  will  be  of  service  until 
medical  attendance  can  be  obtained. 

Authors  recognize  two  varieties,  the  spasmodic 
•uid  membranous,  and  recently  some  speak  of  diph- 


234  TRUE  AND  FALSE  CROUP. 

theritic  croup.  In  the  first,  the  inflammation  does 
not  run  so  high,  and  the  hoarseness  may  be  simply 
nervous.  It  runs  its  course  rapidly.  Usually  the 
child  goes  to  bed  all  right  and  awakens  about  ii  or 
12  o'clock  with  a  loud  ringing  or  rasping  cough,  and 
some  difficulty  of  breathing.  The  attack  relieved, 
will  seem  all  right  through  the  following  day,  unless 
an  occasional  cough.  Usually  recurs  three  or  four 
successive  nights,  is  seldom  fatal. 

In  membranous  cro2ip^  there  may  be  a  slight  hoarse- 
ness and  difficulty  of  breathing  several  days  before 
the  attack  becomes  severe.  The  mucus  membrane 
of  the  throat  becomes  red  and  inflamed,  with  a  thick 
ropy  exudation  that  forms  in  a  membrane,  covering 
the  entire  fauces.  Fever  may  or  may  not  be  present. 
Symptoms  remain  much  the  same,  day  and  night. 
Duration  of  the  disease  from  two  to  fourteen   days. 

The  following  are  a  few  of  the  symptoms  to  aid  in 
distinguishing  between  the  different  forms  of  croup: 

TRUE  OR   MEMBRANOUS  CROU  FALSE  OR  SPASMODIC  CROUP. 

Begins  any  time.  Begins  from  ten  to  twelve  o'clock 

First  symptoms  catarrhal.  at  night. 

Symptoms  slight  at  first.  Severe  at  first. 

Cough  harsh  and  rough.  Cough  loud  and  linging. 

Voice  weak,  whispers.  Voice  hoarse. 

Membrane  always  visible.  No  membrane. 

No  fetor.  diphtheria. 

Membrane  lies    upon    mucus  Fetid  breath, 

membrane,  is  loose,  and  can  be  Membrane    dips    down    in    the 

removed  easily.  mucus  membrane. 

Membrane  mvades  the  larynx  Is  tenacious,  firm,  adherent, 

from  below  and  progresses  up-  Membrane    invades    the    larynx 

ward.     Membrane  always  con-  from  above  and  progresses  down- 

tinuous  and  glairy.  ward,  and  often  is  seen  in  patches. 


TREATMENT  FOR  CROUP.  235 

Many  cases  of  spasmodic  croup  are  relieved  en- 
tirely by  using  promptly  a  compress  of  ice  cold 
water;  should  be  worn  day  and  night,  and  kept  well 
covered  with  a  woolen  cloth.  Apply  to  the  throat 
only.  Renew  in  one  or  two  hours,  if  the  first  appli- 
cation does  not  give  relief.  Many  families  never 
resort  to  any  other  means  for  croup,  being  confident 
that  this  will  give  certain  relief. 

The  following  remedy  I  have  used  for  years  with 
the  happiest  result.  Families  that  have  croupy 
children  keep  it  in  the  house,  and  I  seldom  have  to 
be  called  out  at  night  for  croup  by  regular  patrons. 
It  can  be  put  up  at  any  homeopathic  pharmacy.  Do 
not  try  to  get  it  at  the  drug  store,  as  the  ordinary 
drug  clerk  has  no  inkling  of  homeopathic  trituration. 

3     Tartar  Emetic,  2d  trit.  3  ij 
Aconite  Tincture,    gtts.   ij 

Mix.  Dry  out,  triturate  half  an  hour.  Put  six 
grains  in  twelve  tea-spoons  of  water,  and  give  in  tea- 
spoonful  doses  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  It  is  not 
necessary  that  the  emetic  effect  of  the  drug  should 
be  secured.  It  has  a  specific  action  upon  the  air 
passages,  and  is  an  invaluable  remedy  in  many  of  the 
acute  affections  of  throat  and  lungs.  Aconite  alone 
gives  relief  frequently,  and  many  physicians  use  no 
other  remedy.  The  two  together  in  the  above  prep- 
aration have  seldom  failed  me,  and  as  an  old  friend  I 
recommend  it.  During  the  day  following  the  attack 
give  a  tea-spoonful  of  the  remedy  once  in  two  hours. 
Keep  the  child  on  a  light  diet  and  free  from  exposure. 

In  membranous  or  diphtheritic  croup,  the  services 
of  a  physician  will  always  be  secured  if  possible. 


236  DIPHTHERIA. 

Proto-iodide  of  mercury  is  my  "sheet  anchor"  for 
both  these  affections.  Of  this  I  give  the  second  trit- 
uration in  grain  doses  every  two  hours.  Often  give 
the  prescription  recommended  for  spasmodic  croup 
at  the  same  time,  a  tea-spoonful  every  twenty  or 
thirty  minutes.  Other  remedies,  such  as  iodine,  bro- 
mi?ie,  nitrate  of  amy  I,  bichrm^iate  of potassa^phospJwriis, 
etc.,  are  used  as  the  symptoms  indicate;  but  the 
proto-iodide  or  bin-iodide  of  mercury  will  meet  the 
exigencies  of  more  cases  than  any  other  one  known 
remedy.  Of  course  hot  baths,  hot  fomentations  and 
cold  compresses  must  be  brought  into  requisition.  I 
have  seen  great  relief,  even  where  the  disease  seemed 
in  the  last  stages,  from  a  poultice  of  fresh  phytolacca 
(pokeroot),  applied  to  the  throat.  This  is  made  by 
pounding  the  root  and  mixing  it  with  hot  flaxseed  or 
meal  poultice.  Not  being  able  to  procure  the  root, 
fluid  extract  can  be  used. 

Diphtheria  is  now  considered  an  infectious  dis- 
ease, produced  by  bacteria  or  infusoria  that  inoculate 
the  patient.  Many  claim  to  be  able  to  cure  the  dis- 
ease by  local  means  only,  while  the  invasion  is  only 
local,  before  the  entire  system  is  poisoned.  A  child 
in  robust  health  will  usually  resist  the  infection.  The 
following  methods  of  treatment  are  highly  vaunted 
for  their  efficacy.  Both  of  the  drugs  recommended 
are  invaluable  in  destroying  infusoria,  and  are  used 
in  the  hands  of  eminent  practitioners  with  success: 

Sulphur. — Put  a  teaspoonful  into  a  wine  glass  of 
water  and  stir  it  with  the  finger  instead  of  a  spoon, 
as  it  does  not  readily  amalgamate  with  water.  When 
well  mixed,  it  is  to  be  given  to  the  patient  to  gar- 
gle.    When  the  fungus  is  too  nearly  closing  to  allow 


TREATMENT  FOR  DIPHTHERIA.  237 

the  gargling,  the  sulphur  should  be  thrown  through 
a  quill  into  the  throat,  and  after  the  fungus  has 
shrunk  to  allow  it,  then  the  gargling.  If  the  patient 
cannot  gargle,  take  a  live  coal,  put  it  on  a  shovel, 
and  sprinkle  a  spoonful  of  flour  of  brimstone  upon  it; 
let  the  sufferer  inhale  it  by  holding  the  head  over  it, 
and  the  fungus  will  die.  Sulphur  kills  every  species 
of  fungus  in  man,  beast  and  plant,  in  a  few  minutev.. 
At  one  time  at  Princess  Mary's  Cottage  Home,  Lon- 
don, an  outbreak  of  diphtheria  attacked  fifty  of  the 
inmates.  One  of  the  lady  nurses  cured  them  all  by 
causing  the  patients  to  gargle  with  sulphur,  and  to 
take  it  internally. 

Permanganate  of  potassium. — Take  ten  grains  and 
mix  with  one  ounce  of  cold  water.  As  soon  as  dis- 
solved it  must  be  applied  with  a  rag  or  sponge,  mop 
or  swab,  to  the  whitish  places  in  the  tonsils  and  other 
parts,  on  which  is  seen  the  diphtheritic  membrane. 
Do  this  very  gently,  but  thoroughly,  every  three 
hours  until  better;  then  every  six  hours  until  well. 
It  does  not  give  pain  but  is  rather  nauseous  to  the 
taste.  In  the  stinking  form  of  diphtheria  this  solution 
soon  destroys  all  odor,  and  in  most  cases  it  destroys 
the  membrane  without  leaving  any  bad  effect  behind. 

The  following  is  given  if  the  tongue  is  coated  white. 

]^     Hyposulphite  of  soda,     .     5i' 
Oil  of  sassafras,      .       gtts.  v. 
Glycerine  and  water,     aa  5ij' 
Mix.     Give  a  teaspoonful  every  one  to  three  hours. 
If  the  tongue  is  not  coated, 

Es     Phytolacca  tincture,  gtts.  xx. 
Glycerine  and  water,  aa  %  ij. 


238  CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES 

Tea-spoonful  doses  every  one  to  three  hours. 

The  Phytolacca  is  the  common  poke-root,  and  as 
it  loses  its  strength  by  drying  and  age,  the  tincture 
should  be  from  the  fresh  root,  or  it  is  worthless. 

Contagious  diseases  common  to  infants  usually 
need  cause  no  apprehension.  Under  favorable  con- 
ditions they  run  their  course  in  a  few  days.  Ordi- 
narily, the  danger,  and  ailments  following  these  dis- 
eases are  the  result  of  the  prevailing  drug  treatment. 
Give  the  patient  light,  fresh  air  and  all  the  water  he 
wants,  with  frequent  bathing,  and  in  most  cases  the 
physician  will  not  be  required.  This  is  especially 
true  of  measles.  The  prevailing  custom  of  confining 
the  patient  in  heated  and  darkened  rooms,  smother- 
ing him  with  blankets,  and  dosing  him  with  hot  teas 
will  bring  about  the  very  conditions  to  be  avoided. 

Give  him  no  food  unless  he  craves  it,  then  for  a  few 
days  liquids  only.  Remember  that  all  eruptive  dis- 
eases are  only  the  expression  of  existing  conditions, 
and  if  not  interfered  with  will  leave  the  child  in  a 
better  state  of  health.  If  the  intelligent  mother  has 
given  birth  to  a  healthy  child,  she  need  not  fear  to 
encounter  these  affections  in  their  simple  form.  In- 
deed, children  most  in  harmony  with  nature  escape 
them  altogether. 

Scarlet  fever,  or  scarletina  is  more  liable  to 
assume  a  malignant  form  than  any  other  eruptive 
fever.  When  this  threatens,  the  case  should  be  placed 
in  the  hands  of  a  competent  physician.  It  spreads  by 
infection  rapidly  and  insiduously.  The  rash  first 
appears  on  the  breast,  then  on  neck,  face,  body  and 
limbs.  This  is  preceded  by  a  sore  throat,  with  the 
usual  symptoms  of  fever.     Thorough  and  abundant 


MEASLES  AND  SCARLET  FEVER. 


239 


ventilation  is  a  most  vital  point  in  the  treatment. 
Use  carbolic  acid  freely.  Keep  a  sheet  wet  in  a  solu- 
tion of  it  hanging  in  the  room.  The  patient  should 
be  frequently  sponged.  If  the  throat  is  troublesome 
apply  a  wet  compress,  and  occasionally  inhale  steam. 
The  wet  pack,  as  prescribed  on  page  225,  is  most 
valuable,  if  administered  by  an  experienced  person. 
An  eminent  physician  testifies  that  he  never  lost  a 
case  of  scarlet  fever  in  which  he  used  the  wet  pack. 

In  suppression  of  the  eruption  a  hot  bath  or  pack  is 
efificacious  in  bringing  it  out. 

Diet. — New  milk  and  hot  milk  (reduced  one-third). 
Milk  is  a  good  antidote  for  poison,  and  lessens  the 
virulence  of  the  fever.  Grapes,  oranges  and  fruit 
juice  are  excellent. 

MEASLES.  SCARLET  FEVER, 

I.  Rash  appears  on  fourth  day. 

2..  Catarrhal  symptoms  are 
prominent,  watery  discharge  from 
the  eyes  and  nose,  sneezing, 
harsh  cough,  etc. 


3.  The  rash  begins  near  the 
roots  of  the  hair. 

4.  The  rash  is  of  a  pinkish  red 
or  raspberry  color. 

5.  The  eruption  is  somewhat 
rough,  so  as  to  be  felt  by  passing 
the  hand  over  the  skin. 

6.  Has  a  peculiar  fetid  odor. 

7.  Liquid,  tender,  watery  eye. 

8.  The  cuticle  is  thrown  off  in 
minute  portions,  like  fine  scales 
of  bran. 


1 .  Rash  appears  the  second  day. 

2.  Catarrhal  symptoms  are  usu- 
ally absent,  but  there  is  great 
heat  of  the  skin,  sore  throat,  and 
sometimes  delirium. 

3.  The  rash  begins  on  the  neck 
and  face. 

4.  The  rash  is  of  a  bright  scar 
let  color,  and   by  pressing    with 
the  finger  a  white    spot    is    pro- 
duced, lasting  a  few  seconds. 

5.  Eruption  usually  presents  no 
inequalities  to  sight  or  touch,  and 
is  so  minute  and  closely  crowded 
as  to  give  the  skin  a  uniformly 
red  appearance. 

6.  A  peculiar  brilliant  glisten- 
ing stare  of  the  eyes. 

7.  The  cuticle  is  thrown  off  in 
large  patches,  especially  from  the 
hands  and  feet. 


24©  CONVULSIONS. 

Whooping  cough  is  both  epidemic  and  conta- 
gious. It  is  usually  mild  in  a  healthy  child,  but  severe 
and  sometimes  fatal  in  others.  The  younger  the  child 
the  more  dangerous  the  disease.  The  cough  is  gene- 
rally worse  at  night.  Even  after  apparent  recovery 
it  may  be  brought  back  by  exposure  to  cold,  by  im- 
proper food,  or  by  want  of  careful  nursing.  A  rea- 
sonable amount  of  outdoor  exercise  is  conducive  to 
the  favorable  progress  of  the  malady.  Dampness 
should  be  avoided,  as  the  skin  is  generally  sensitive 
to  cold,  especially  after  a  fit  of  coughing.  Infants 
should  be  carefully  watched,  day  and  night,  that  they 
may  be  placed  in  a  favorable  position  during  the 
paroxysms. 

Light,  digestible  food  in  moderate  quantities  should 
be  given  frequently.  Hot  milk  is  especially  soothing 
and  nutritious,  particularly  during  the  first  days  of 
the  attack,  and  may  well  take  the  place  of  all  other 
food. 

Convulsions  rarely  attack  very  young  infants, 
unless  from  malformation  of  the  heart.  Convulsions 
usually  accompany  teething,  indigestion,  whooping 
cough,  fevers,  worms,  indeed  any  disease  that  causes 
a  reflex  action  upon  the  brain.  Occasionally  a  child 
has  a  convulsion  without  any  premonitory  symptom, 
but  usually  there  will  be  a  restlessness  in  sleep,  arol- 
ing  of  the  head,  twitching  of  the  limbs,  with  clenched 
fists,  stertorious  breathing,and  heavy,  lethargic  sleep. 
From  this  condition  there  is  suddenly  involuntary 
muscular  contractions,  rolling  of  the  eyes,  frothing 
at  the  mouth,  and  the  head  drawn  backward.  What- 
ever is  to  be  done  must  be  done  quickly,  and  gene- 
rally before  medical  aid  can  be  summoned.     First, 


USE   HOT  WATER.  24 1 

the  mother  and  attendants  must  command  them- 
selves. Nothing  is  more  frightful  than  to  see  a  little 
one  in  convulsions,  but  upon  no  occasion  is  self-pos- 
session more  needed.  Remember  children  rarely 
die  in  the  first  paroxysm 

Get  the  child  into  hot  water  as  soon  as  possible. 
Don't  wait  to  remove  its  clothing;  put  into  a  foot- 
tub  or  child's  bath  having  the  water  as  hot  as  can  be 
borne,  supporting  it  on  two  hands.  And  from  time 
to  time  as  much  hot  water  as  the  hands  will  bear.  It 
should  remain  in  the  bath  until  relaxation  is  produced, 
and  then  be  wrapped  in  thoroughly  heated  blankets. 

If  there  is  not  sufficient  warm  water  in  the  house 
for  a  bath,  it  is  often  quite  as  effectual  to  take  a 
pitcher  of  hot  water,  turn  the  child  upon  its  face, 
hold  it  over  a  pail,  and  pour  the  water  on  the  back  of 
the  neck.  This  is  more  easily  managed  than  a  bath, 
and  often  is  all  that  is  requisite  to  bring  about  relaxa- 
tion. A  bag  of  hot  salt  laid  to  the  back  of  the  neck 
will  prevent  a  return.  If  there  is  constipation  or 
irritation  in  the  bowels,  give  a  copious  enema  of 
warm  soft  water.  If  worms  are  suspected,  add  salt,  a 
tea-spoonful  to  one  pint  of  water. 

For  further  treatment,  as  there  are  so  many  differ- 
ent things  that  will  cause  spasms,  one  should  better 
depend  upon  medical  advice. 

In  closing  these  brief  hints  upon  diseases  of  chil- 
dren, I  wish  to  impress  upon  the  parent's  mind  the 
fact  that  in  nine  cases  out  of  ter  children  need  no 
treatment  for  their  ailments.  Their  natural  recuper- 
ative power  gives  them  ability  to  throw  of  disease  in 
a  marvelous  manner. 

Too  much  care  and  nursing  is  quite  as  harmful  as 


24i  CONTAGIOUS  HEALTH. 

too  little.  It  is  ordinarily  better  to  make  light  of 
their  ailments,  and  teach  them  the  power  of  self- 
resistance  to  the  enroachments  of  disease.  A  cheer- 
ful, hopeful  manner,  accompanied  by  the  encouraging 
word,  is  quite  as  helpful  in  sickness  of  children  as  in 
that  of  adults. 

Do  not  discuss  their  ailments  before  them.  Avoid 
hinting  that  sickness  is  possible,  or  anticipating  it  for 
them  as  results  oi  certain  conduct.  Keep  it  from 
your  own  mind  also.  Never  allow  yourself  to  say:  "If 
you  go  out  in  the  cold  you  will  get  sick."  "Don't  sit 
by  the  window  you  will  take  cold."  "Now  do  get 
out  of  that  draft."  "You  must  not  eat  so  much. 
Now,  there,  not  one  mouthful  more,  you  will  be  sick." 
"Do  put  on  your  overcoat  and  rubbers." 

Now,  dear  mothers,  this  may  be  a  new  thought  to 
you,  but  this  very  caution,  born  of  love  and  solici- 
tude, creates  a  fear  that  may  make  it  possible  for 
your  children  to  be  sick.  Let  a  child  lead  an  active, 
rollicking  life  in  harmony  with  nature,  and  in  himself 
will  certainly  be  developed  power  to  resist  disease. 

It  is  possible  to  make  health  contagious. 

"Cheerily,  then,  my  little  man, 
Live  and  laugh  as  boyhood  can." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


ABORTION, 

Abortion  or  miscarriage  is  the  term  applied  to  the 
death  and  expulsion  of  the  fetus  previous  to  six 
months;  after  that  and  before  full  term  it  is  called 
premature  delivery. 

The  liability  to  abortion  is  more  frequent  at  the 
beginning  and  during  the  third  month.  It  is  usually 
preceded  by  occasional  loss  of  blood,  which  rarely  is 
excessive  at  first,  but  in  from  three  days  to  three 
weeks  increases  in  frequency  and  quantity  until  it 
may  absolutely  amount  to  hemorrhage.  The  first 
symptom  in  some  instances  is  a  violent  chill.  In  such 
cases  soreness,  heat  and  pain  are  soon  located  in  the 
pelvis  and  the  flowing  maybe  deferred  for  a  few  days. 
One  may  have  continuous  pain,  more  or  less  severe, 
until  the  embryo  is  expelled;  or  it  may  come  up  at 
irregular  intervals  from  day  to  day  for  some  two  or 
three  weeks,  there  being  such  complete  intermissions 
that  the  patient  hopes  each  time  that  all  danger  is 
over,  and  that  gestation  may  be  completed. 

The  danger  to  the  mother  is  from  hemorrhage 
before  the  expulsion  of  the  embryo,  and  from  reten- 
tion of  membranes  after  the  fetus  is  born.  These 
decaying  in  the  uterus,  the  poison  is  absorbed  into 
the  system  and  septicaemia  is  the  result. 

The  causes  of  abortion,  both  remote  and  exciting, 

i6  (243) 


244  CAUSES  OF   ABORTION. 

are  numerous.  Any  diseases  of  the  womb  that  take 
away  its  vitality  or  prevent  its  enlargement  will  re- 
sult in  death  of  the  fetus.  Any  general  disease  or 
condition  of  the  system  that  results  in  weakness  or 
feebleness  may  make  the  continuance  of  life  in  the 
embryo  impossible. 

Lack  of  room  in  the  pelvis  and  abdomen  is  a  fre- 
quent cause  of  abortion  in  first  pregnancies.  This  is 
the  resultof  tight  and  heavy  clothing  and  insufficient 
exercise.  Remaining  too  much  in-doors  and  suffer- 
ing the  debilitating  effects  of  impure,  heated  atmos- 
phere, is  also  a  remote  cause.  The  violation  of  the 
laws  of  sexual  congress  is  another.  Immoderation  in 
this  respect  is  exceedingly  harmful,  as  it  diverts  from 
its  needed  purpose  the  mother's  energies,  and  weakens 
embryonic  life.  Any  incontinence  during  pregnancy 
endangers  a  woman  who  has  once  miscarried. 

The  recent  causes  are  lifting,  straining,  a  fall,  a  jar, 
a  blow,  a  violent  cold,  or  an  acute  attack  of  disease, 
sudden  mental  emotions,  etc.  The  system  so  soon 
takes  on  any  habit  that,  having  once  aborted,  one  is 
very  liable  to  a  recurrence  of  the  same  results  in  sub- 
sequent pregnancies,  at  the  same  period. 

To  prevent  a.  miscarriage,  observe  faithfully  the 
hygienic  rules  laid  down  in  this  book.  Make  the 
best  possible  conditions  for  health  in  every  direction. 
Especially  observe  the  law  of  continence.  Once 
threatened  with  abortion,  hemorrhage  ever  so  slight 
having  set  in,  a  woman  should  by  all  means  take  her 
bed  and  observe  perfect  quiet.  She  must  run  no 
risks.  Apply  compresses  and  take  frequent  short, 
tepid  sitz-baths,  live  on  a  mild,  cooling  diet,  and  the 
danger  may  be  averted. 


TREATMENT— FETICIDE.  245 

Aconite. — Chill  or  fever,  with  quick  pulse  and  flow 
of  bright  red  blood.  Six  drops  of  first  dilution  in  a 
glass  full  of  water;  take  a  tablespoonful  every  hour. 

Secale,  ^d. — Cramp-like  pains,  blood  clotted  and 
dark,  cadaverous  expression  of  face.  Dose:  Six 
pellets  every  two  hours. 

Cimicifuga,  2d. — Pain  in  the  back  of  the  neck,  ach- 
ing in  the  limbs,  back  and  groin,  with  pressing,  bear- 
ing down.     Dose:  One  grain  every  two  hours. 

A  woman  requires  the  same  attention  and  treat- 
ment during  and  after  a  miscarriage  that  she  re- 
quires in  a  confinement.  A  labor  at  full  term  is  nat- 
ural; a  miscarriage  is  unnatural,  and  often  requires  a 
longertime  for  the  system  to  recover  from  the  shock. 

Feticide  is  a  produced  abortion,  whether  by  drugs, 
intentional  shocks,  electricity,  or  by  instrumental  in- 
terference, either  by  one's  own  hand  or  by  the  hand 
of  a  surgeon. 

Many  women  have  been  taught  to  think  that  the 
child  is  not  viable  until  after  quickening,  and  that 
there  is  no  harm  in  arresting  pregnancy  previous  to 
the  feeling  of  motion;  others  believe  that  there  is  no 
life  until  birth,  and  the  cry  of  the  child  is  heard. 

A  high  legal  authority  says:  "The  absurdity  of 
the  principle  upon  which  these  distinctions  are  found- 
ed is  easy  of  demonstration.  The  fetus,  previous  to 
the  time  of  quickening,  must  be  either  dead  or  living. 
Now,  that  it  is  not  the  former,  is  most  evident  from 
neither  putrefaction  nor  decomposition  takingplace, 
which  would  be  the  consequence  of  an  extinction  of 
the  vital  principle.  The  embyro,  therefore,  before 
the  crisis,  must  be  in  a  state  different  from  that  of 
death,  and  that  can  be  no  other  than  life." 


246  INCEPTION  OF   LIFE. 

When  the  female  germ  and  male  sperm  unite,  then 
is  the  inception  of  a  new  life;  all  that  goes  to  make 
up  a  human  being — body,  mind  and  spirit,  must  be 
contained  in  embryo  within  this  minute  organism. 
Li/e  must  be  prescmt  from  the  very  moment  of  conception. 
If  there  was  not  life  there  could  be  no  conception. 
At  what  other  period  of  a  human  being's  existence, 
either  pre-natal  or  post-natal,  could  the  union  of  soul 
and  body  take  place.?  Is  it  not  plain  that  the  violent 
or  forcible  deprivation  of  existence  of  this  embryo, 
the  removal  of  it  from  the  citadel  of  life,  is  its  prema- 
ture death,  and  hence  the  act  can  be  denominated  by 
no  more  mild  term  than  murder,  and  whoever  per- 
forms the  act,  or  is  accessory  to  it,  in  the  sight  of 
God  and  human  law  is  guilty  of  the  crime  of  all 
crimes. 

The  life  of  the  babe  in  her  arms  is  to  the  mother 
more  precious  than  all  else;  her  heart  is  thrilled  with 
a  pang  of  agony  at  thought  of  the  least  danger  to  its 
life.  By  what  false  reasoning  does  she  convince  her- 
self that  another  life,  still  more  dependent  upon  her 
for  its  existence,  with  equal  rights  and  possibilities, 
has  no  claim  upon  her  for  protection.?  More  than 
this,  she  deliberately  strikes  with  the  red  hand  of 
murder,  and  terminates  its  existence  with  no  thought 
of  wrong,  nor  consciousness  of  violated  law. 

The  woman  who  produces  abortion,  or  allows  it  to 
be  produced,  risks  her  own  health  and  life  in  the  act, 
and  commits  the  highest  crime  in  the  calendar,  for 
she  takes  the  life  of  her  own  child.  She  defrauds  the 
child  of  the  right  to  its  existence. 

By  a  wise  provision  we  are  placed  in  this  world  for 
growth,  development   and  preparation    for  another 


INCENTIVES  FOR  ABORTION.  247 

life.  As  we  leave  this  life,  we  must  enter  the  other. 
In  so  far  as  a  human  being  is  deprived  of  this  exist- 
ence, to  that  extent  he  is  deprived  of  schooling  and 
preparation  for  the  other  life.  Pause  for  one  moment 
and  think  of  the  thousands  of  stunted,  dwarfed  beings 
that  are  prematurely  ushered  into  an  existence  that 
can  not  be  normal  and  designed.  Were  infants 
to  have  been  born  into  spirit  life,  provision  would 
have  been  made  to  that  effect.  That  they  are  born 
into  this  life  is  proof  that  this  world  is  best  adapted 
for  their  growth  and  education. 

There  may  be  no  harm  in  preventing  the  concep- 
tion of  a  life,  but  once  conceived  it  should  not  be  de- 
prived of  its  existence  in  that  world  which  in  all  its 
appointments  is  specially  adapted  to  its  development. 

What  are  some  of  the  incentives  to  produce  abor-» 
tion  .''  An  unmarried  woman  seduced  under  falsft 
representations  by  a  man  who  feels  no  responsibility 
for  his  own  offspring,  suffers  alone  all  the  shame  and 
contumely  of  the  act,  and  Is  tempted  to  cause  miscar- 
riage to  shield  her  good  name. 

Married  women  who  fear  that  maternity  will  inter-, 
fere  with  their  pleasures,  are  guilty  of  forcibly 
curtailing  embryotic  life.  Others,  again,  who  are 
poor  or  are  burdened  with  care  or  grief,  or  have 
licentious  or  drunken  husbands,  shrink  from  adding 
to  an  already  overburdened  existence. 

The  first  class,  the  girls  who  have  lost  their  virtue 
under  promise  of  marriage-  -are  most  deserving  of 
sympathy  and  commiseratio.i,  though  none  receive 
less.  "Let  him  who  is  without  sin  cast  the  first 
stone."  At  the  least  imputation  against  a  fair  girl's 
character,  even  those  professing  to  be  the  followers 


248  PROTECTIVE  CHIVALRY. 

of  the  loving  Christ,  often  have  so  little  leniency,  so 
little  of  the  Father's  love  in  their  hearts,  that  they 
hug  their  Christian  robes  to  their  bodies,  lest  they  be 
contaminated  by  the  polluting  touch  of  the  victim. 
They  "pass  by  on  the  other  side"  and  leave  the  pool 
broken-hearted  child  bleeding  by  the  wayside. 

The  girl's  lessons  of  life  and  purity  have  been 
learned  mainly  from  one  she  loved  and  trusted,  only 
to  be  betrayed.  What  wonder  that  in  her  ignorance 
of  the  value  of  life  she  should  be  tempted  to  add  a 
second  wrong  to  the  first  ?  She  knows  the  shadow 
that  has  darl^ened  her  path  ;  she  realizes  : 

"  Alas !  for  the  rarity 
Of  Christian  charity 
Under  the  sun." 

And  if  she  can  conceal  the  evidence  of  her  guilt, 
she  may  hope  by  honest  endeavor  to  retrieve  her 
good  name,  and  thus  is  tempted  to  produce  an 
abortion. 

Two  wrongs  can  not  make  one  right.  Before  God 
and  her  own  conscience,  the  only  tribunals  that  in 
justice  have  any  right  to  accuse  her,  she  can  not  by 
any  act  gain  absolution. 

When  girls  are  given  proper  instruction  upon  the 
relation  of  the  sexes  and  understand  how  to  govern 
and  guard  themselves  ;  when  young  men  are  taught 
that  virtue  has  as  high  a  meaning  for  one  sex  as  an- 
other, that  the  protective  chivalry  of  which  they 
boast  does  not  imply  that  they  shall  force  the  woman 
with  whom  they  associate  to  the  defensive  ;  and  that 
the /«/^r?z^2/ interest  in,  and  responsibilities  for  a  child 
are  equal  to  the  maternal,  then  the  temptation  to  pro- 


PERSONAL  PLEASURES.  249 

duce   abortion   for  the   purpose   of  shielding  one's 
character  will  not  exist. 

Of  the  second  class,  who  produce  miscarriage  for 
pleasure  and  selfish  interest,  there  is  little  to  say  in.  ex- 
tenuation. They  may  be  victims  of  ignorance  or  of 
a  false  education.  The  maternal  instinct  ib  inherent 
in  every  woman's  heart.  It  seems  strange  that  any 
morbid  idea  of  pleasure  could  antagoniz^e  the  natural 
aspiration  to  such  an  extent  that  one  could  destroy 
the  viability  of  her  own  offspring. 

I  well  remember  years  ago  the  wife  of  a  well-to-do 
lawyer  making  application  to  me  to  produce  abortion. 
She  had  but  one  child,  and  he  three  years  of  age. 
She  was  surrounded  by  every  comfort  a  prosperous 
business  man  could  afford.  I  sought  the  cause  of  the 
unnatural  promptings  of  this  intelligent  woman's 
heart.  It  seems  that  a  trip  to  Europe  was  contem- 
plated and  planned  for  in  the  early  summer,  and  that 
this  unanticipated  and  chance  maternity  would  thwart 
their  expectations.  With  all  the  arguments  I  then 
possessed,  I  showed  her  the  wrong  she  sought  to  do, 
but  nothing  seemed  to  weigh  against  the  proposed 
trip.  She  returned  the  second  and  third  time  even, 
armed  with  a  lawyer's  sophistry  to  endeavor  to  per- 
suade me  to  be  accessory  to  the  diabolical  deed.  No 
doubt  one  cause  of  her  persistency  was  fear  of  trust- 
ing her  secret  to  me  unless  she  could  persuade  me  to 
be  an  accomplice. 

She  probably  found  some  one  to  assist  her  out  of 
the  "  trouble,"  for  she  took  the  proposed  trip,  but  I 
was  not  astonished  to  learn  three  or  four  years  later 
that  she  was  lying  at  death's  door  with  consumption. 
How  many  times  she  produced  abortion  I  know  not 


250  THE  REMEDY. 

but  I  was  told  that  for  months  she  suffered  from 
uterine  hemorrhages  and  in  the  weakened  state  of 
her  system  a  violent  cold  settled  upon  her  lungs 
which  soon  terminated  her  life.  This  was  the  physi- 
cal result  of  the  crime  she  had  committed. 

Of  the  last  class,  who  have  an  apparent  need  to 
limit  the  size  of  the  family,  what  can  be  said  in  ex- 
tenuation of  their  committing  this  crime  ?  Shall  not 
the  mother  who  already  has  many  children,  who  is 
herself  sick,  nervous  and  prostrated,  or  else  has  a 
husband  who  is  diseased  or  a  drunkard,  leaving  her 
the  support  of  the  family,  save  herself  additional  care 
by  arresting  the  life  of  the  embryo  ?  The  heart  goes 
out  in  sympathy  for  all  such,  but  even  the  most 
aggravating  circumstances  can  not  atone  for  the 
crime.  The  whole  nature  of  every  true  woman  re- 
volts against  forced  maternity. 

Thoughtful  minds  must  acknowledge  the  great 
wrong  done  when  children  are  begotten  under  ad- 
verse conditions.  Women  must  learn  the  laws  of  life 
so  as  to  protect  themselves,  and  not  be  the  means  of 
bringing  sin-cursed,  diseased  children  into  the  world. 

T/ie  remedy  is  in  the  preventioji  of  pregnancy,  not  in 
producing  abortion.  When  men  and  women  have 
learned  the  wise  control  of  the  procreative  functions, 
then  may  we  hope  that  children  will  be  begotten  in 
love  and  unselfishness.  It  is  the  undesired  and  unde- 
signed maternity  that  is  revolting  to  the  nature  of 
woman.  As  long  as  men  feel  that  they  have  a  right 
to  indulgence  of  the  passions  under  law,  no  matter 
what  the  circumstances,  what  the  condition  of  the 
wife,  or  the  probabilities  of  maternity,  so  long  will 
the  spirit  of  rebellion  take  possession  of  women  and 


UNWELCOME  CHILDREN.  2$  I 

the  temptation  enter  their  souls  to  relieve  themselves 
of  this  unsought  burden.  May  the  day  soon  arrive 
when  men  will  learn  that  even  passion  should  serve 
reason,  and  that  gratification  should,  at  least,  not  be 
sought  at  the  expense  of  conjugal  happiness  and  un- 
welcome children. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


MENSTRUATION. 

Menstruation  is  the  sanguineous  flow  accom- 
panying the  maturation  of  the  ovum  in  the  ovaries. 
It  generally  occurs  regularly  every  twenty-eight 
days,  and  in  temperate  climates  continues  from  about 
the  fifteenth  year  to  the  forty-fifth. 

Physiologists  differ  as  to  the  cause  of  this  phenom- 
enon. It  was  for  a  long  time  believed  to  be  a  cleans- 
ing process  peculiar  to  women;  that  Eve,  having 
through  her  transgression  entailed  upon  her  daugh- 
ters a  curse,  they  needed  more  renovation  and  regen- 
eration than  men;  and  that  aside  from  ordinary  de- 
purition  this  special  secretion  was  given  to  them. 

The  theory  now  prevails  that  accompanying  the 
maturation  of  the  ovum  there  is  a  flow  of  blood  to 
the  generative  organs,  which  in  medical  parlance  if 
called  hyperemia.  The  exudation  of  this  venouS 
blood  from  the  membrane  of  the  uterus  constituted 
menstruation;  also  that  this  menstruation  is  a  pro- 
vision of  nature  for  the  supply  of  a  superabundance 
of  blood,  which  during  pregnancy  is  appropriated  to 
the  growth  of  the  fetus.  Thus  is  it  allied  to  maternity 
leading  us  to  regard  this  function  with  reverence. 

In  a  normal  state  the  discharge  is  slight,  being  from 
one  to  three  ounces,  and  lasts  two  or  three  days. 
yj      Certain  physiologists  claim  that  all  sanguineous 

(252) 


NORMAL  MENSTRUATION.  253 

flow  is  abnormal,  that  there  should  be  no  show  of 
blood  in  a  perfectly  healthy  woman.  It  is  averred 
that  the  squaws  of  some  Indian  tribes  have  no  show 
accompanying  either  ovulation  or  parturition. 

Menstruation  should  be  entirely  devoid  of  suffer- 
ing. A  woman  should  have  no  cognizance  of  this 
function,  save  by  the  discharge.  Could  this  be  the 
rule,  instead  of  the  prevalent  exception,  the  capacity 
of  strength  and  endurance  either  for  work  or  pleasure 
would  be  increased  one  hundred  fold.  The  nation  not 
only  needs  strong  men  but  strong  women,  strong  in 
physical  as  well  as  mental  development.  This  strength 
is  required  for  prosecuting  a  persistent  warfare  against 
prevailing  and  existing  wrongs,  as  well  as  for  trans- 
mitting health  and  vigor  to  the  coming  generation. 

A  woman  in  perfect  health  need  take  no  especial 
care  and  make  no  change  in  her  manner  of  life  at  this 
period.  But  under  our  artificial  habits  of  life,  such  a 
woman  is  the  exception  rather  than  the  rule,  and  in 
most  cases  some  attention  must  be  paid  to  the  recur- 
rence of  the  menses. 

Many  young  ladies  in  attendance  upon  school,  feel 
a  need  of  some  indulgence  at  that  time,  and  are  often 
granted  respite  from  duty.  Women  following  any 
regular  occupation  have  learned  to  plan  a  day  of 
lighter  work  at  the  recurrence  of  the  period.  Yet 
on  the  contrary  some  have  found  that  congestion  and 
pain  are  relieved  by  occupation  sufficient  to  interest 
the  mind,  with  exercise  adapted  to  increase  the 
circulation. 

The  disorders  incident  to  menstruation  are: 
Amenorrhea,  Dysmenorrhea  and  Menorrhagia. 

Amenorrhea  is  absence  or  suppression  of  the  menses 


254  DISORDERS  Or-    MENSTRUATION, 

caused  by  cold,  a  chronic  ailment,  an  enemic  condi- 
tion or  some  ovarian  or  uterine  affection.  It  is  also 
often  the  result  of  mental  conditions,  as  grief,  fright 
or  severe  mental  strain. 

One  need  not  be  uneasy  about  suppression  when 
there  is  no  special  constitutional  disturbance.  Our 
grandmothers  taught  that  the  absence  of  the  menses 
was  always  greatly  to  be  feared,  the  prevailing  idea 
being  that  serious  results  would  follow  to  some  vital 
organ.      This  is  a  mistake. 

Patients  during  treatment  for  uterine  ulceration 
and  inflammation  often  gain  steadily  in  health,  al- 
though the  menses  cease  for  months.  This  has  been 
observed  especially  in  hygienic  institutions. 

At  all  events,  in  treating  suppression  avoid  strong 
remedies,  such  as  old-fashioned  tansy  tea,  steel  fil- 
ings and  ergot.  These  produce  congestion,  and  may 
be  the  source  of  severe  chronic  ailments. 

See  to  it  that  a  general  condition  of  health  is  at- 
tained. With  plenty  of  out-door  exercise,  congenial 
employment  and  freedom  from  care,  the  young  girl 
may,  with  rare  exceptions,  trust  to  nature  for  correc- 
tion of  suppression. 

Dysmenorrhea,  or  painful  menstruation,  is  of  such 
frequent  occurrence  that  it  deserves  especial  atten- 
tion. Most  young  ladies  experience  more  or  less 
suffering  at  this  time.  It  may  be  only  nervousness, 
wakeful  nights,  a  slight  headache,  some  pain  in  the 
back  or  pelvic  regions,  and  a  disposition  to  be  alone; 
or  the  attacks  may  be  severe,  with  pain  in  the  back 
and  pelvis,  running  down  into  the  limbs;  the  surface 
and  extremities  cold,  face  palid,  with  nausea,  vomit- 
ing or  fainting,  and  perhaps  spasms. 


CAUSES  OF  DYSMENORRHEA.  255 

This  ought  not  to  be,  and,  in  most  instances,  need 
not  be.  With  our  present  knowledge,  the  conditions 
for  and  causes  of  dysmenorrhea  may  be  removed. 

Among  causes  we  find  inflammation  of  the  ovaries, 
oviducts,  or  mucous  membrane  of  the  womb,  mechan- 
ical closure  of  the  outlet  of  the  womb,  or,  simply 
constipation,  neuralgia  or  rheumatism. 

With  inflammation  of  the  ovaries  there  is,  pre- 
vious to  the  recurrence  of  the  menses  and  through- 
out its  course,  a  dragging  pain  in  the  pelvis  with 
swelling  and  soreness  of  the  breasts,  and  more  or  less 
mental  distress.  These  symptoms  are  not  always 
relieved  by  the  flow. 

Inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  uterus 
is  the  most  frequent  cause  of  dysmenorrhea.  With 
this  the  pain  begins  with  the  flow  and  increases  as  the 
flow  increases.  There  may  be  a  discharge  of  shreds  of 
membrane  or  clotted  blood,  and  sometimes  a  mem- 
brane having  the  entire  form  of  the  cavity  of  the 
womb.  This  is  produced  by  deposits  of  fibrine,  like 
that  of  membranous  croup. 

When  there  is  undue  closure  of  the  cervix  the  pain 
precedes  the  menstrual  flow,  and  is  relieved  as  the 
discharge  becomes  free. 

The  remote  causes  for  dysmenorrhea  are  errors  in 
dress  and  diet,  want  of  exercise,  etc. 

To  errors  in  womatis  dress  more  than  any  other  one 
thing  is  the  unnatural  pain  due.  Women  are  bur- 
dened with  heavy  clothing,  and  every  vital  organ 
restricted  by  bands  and  bones.  It  is  not  unusual  to 
count  from  sixteen  to  eighteen  thicknesses  of  cloth 
worn  so  tightly  about  the  pliable  structure  of  the 
waist  that  actual  deformity  is  produced. 


256  NO   ROMPING   ALLOWED  ! 

The  pelvis  and  chest  are  naturally  well  guarded 
from  intrusion  by  the  ribs  and  pelvic  bones.  But 
just  at  the  point  where  belts  are  adjusted  there  is  no 
protecting  wall.  Thus  these  parts  are  easily  de- 
formed, consequently  digestion  becomes  imperfect, 
the  circulation  obstructed,  the  respiration  restricted, 
and  what  is  worse  than  all,  the  viscera  crowd  down 
upon  the  womb,  the  citadel  of  life. 

Thus,  by  abuse,  the  maternal  organism  fails  of  ful- 
filling the  divine  charge  committed  to  it  by  the 
Creator.  The  wonder  is  that  intelligent,  educated 
woman  has  ordinarily  no  thought  of  her  relation  to 
posterity,  and  her  responsibility  to  offspring. 

Exercises  adapted  to  develop  the  muscles  of  the 
trunk  and  abdomen,  giving  breathing  power  and 
room  for  all  the  viscera  will  be  found  very  satisfac- 
tory in  their  results,  to  women  who  will  arrange  their 
clothing  suitably. 

The  restraint  placed  upon  young  girls,  according 
to  the  usages  of  society,  at  the  time  when  they  most 
need  exercise  and  muscular  development,  is  not  only 
mistaken  wisdom,  but  a  cruel  physical  wrong.  They 
'must  be  ladylike  !  So,  perforce,  they  must  not  jump 
nor  skip  ;  they  must  not  run  up  stairs  two  steps  at  a 
time,  like  a  boy.  No  rompi7ig  allowed  !  The  physical 
freedom  which  is  everywhere  accorded  to  a  boy,  and 
by  which  he,  all  unconsciously  fits  himself  for  man- 
hood, is  forbidden  the  girl. 

So  she  grows  up  without  strength  of  nerve  or  mus- 
cle, and  readily  becomes  a  victim  to  all  the  ills  that 
woman  is  heir  to. 

A  very  little  care  and  planning  devoted  to  this 
subject  would  bring  to  women  both  health  and  hap- 


MISS  alcott's  rose.  257 

piness.  Like  Rose,  in  Miss  Alcott's  delightful  story, 
a  naturally  frail  girl  may  be  developed  into  a  hearty 
and  vigorous  young  woman,  and  this  too  without  un- 
duly subjecting  her  to  the  mortification  of  singularity. 

Neither  is  it  necessary,  in  order  to  preserve  health, 
that  her  thorough  education  should  be  neglected.  The 
hue  and  cry  that  has  been  raised  against  the  higher 
education  of  woman,  on  the  ground  of  her  physical 
incapacity  to  endure  severe  mental  training,  is  not 
well  founded. 

The  fact  is  that  girls  and  women  can  bear  study, 
but  they  can  not  bear  compressed  viscera,  tortured 
stomachs  and  a  misplaced  uterus.  The  impure  air, 
almost  universal  in  schoolrooms,  has  much  to  answer 
for  in  the  alleged  incapacity  of  girls  for  mental  wear 
and  tear.  Given  pure  air,  the  Delsarte  training, 
loose  and  light  clothing  and  unimpaired  digestion, 
and  our  girls  will  in  due  time  prove  to  the  world  that, 
notwithstanding  a  vigorous  pursuit  of  study,  "  a  girl 
is  just  as  good  as  a  boy." 

Out-door  games  and  amusements  are  becoming 
more  and  more  fashionable.  Among  these  lawn 
tennis,  croquet,  archery,  rowing,  bean-bags  and  tri- 
cycling are  popular  and  healthful  in  their  tendency. 

Next  to  errors  in  dress  and  deficient  exercise^  errors 
in  diet  may  be  responsible  for  painful  menstruation. 
How  can  this  be  ?  Once,  on  inquiring  of  a  class  of 
young  ladies  the  cause  of  this  trouble,  I  received 
various  replies  ;  as  skating,  jumping  rope,  climbing 
stairs,  improper  clothing,  etc. 

A  little  eleven-year-old  girl  raising  her  hand,  asked: 
"  Is  it  not  eating  too  much  candy  ? "  The  rest  of  the 
girls  laughed.    But  I  replied,  "  You  need  not  smile ; 


25J      HEAT  BETTER  THAN  ALCOHOL. 

this  young  lady  has  sounded  the  keynote  of  your 
trouble.  It  is  not  only  too  much  candy,  but  you  eat 
too  freely  of  the  carbonaceous  foods,  fats  and  sweets, 
without  taking  sufficient  exercise  to  have  them  appro- 
priated. Inflammation  is  the  result  and  hence  suffer- 
ing ensues." 

Treatment  for  dysmenorrhea  must  be  palliative 
and  curative.  No  young  girl  should  be  allowed  to 
endure  this  pain.  It  gives  a  shock  to  the  nervous 
system,  which  sooner  or  later  will  act  upon  her  gen- 
eral health,  and  depreciate  her  vitality. 

In  palliative  treatment  it  has  been  customary  to 
use  alcoholic  stimulant  in  some  form.  Symptoms  at 
first  are  relieved,  the  blood  being  caused  to  flow  to 
the  surface,  thus  lessening  congestion.  The  patient 
is  made  perhaps  not  actually  drunk,  but  is  stupefied. 
My  observation,  however,  is  that  menstrual  pain  re- 
moved by  this  agency,  recurs  more  severely  at  sub- 
sequent periods.  The  reason  of  this  must  be  that 
the  alcoholic  stimulant  increases  the  already  inflamed 
condition.     It  is  not  good  treatment. 

The  application  of  heat  in  some  form  will  safely  re- 
lieve almost  any  case.  A  relay  of  hot  lamp  chimneys 
is  available  in  sudden  attacks,  even  if  at  night ;  or  a 
hot  plate  or  stove-lid,  wrapped  in  cloths  is  excellent 
in  an  emergency.  In  more  severe  cases,  use  hot 
iomentations  (Page  1 14)  or  the  hot  water  bottle. 

A  hot  sitz-bath  (Page  1 84)  is  the  best  resort  where 
cramp-like  symptoms  with  vomiting  or  fainting  are 
experienced,  or  where  the  patient  is  threatened  with 
spasms.  Anticipate  suffering  by  this  treatment  as 
soon  as  indicated  by  premonitory  symptoms.  Con- 
tinue the  bath  until  a  copious  perspiration  is  induced, 


A  CASE  OF  RHEUMATISM.  2Sg 

probably  from  thirty  minutes  to  an  hour.  Then  rub 
off  lightly  without  exposure,  keeping  wrapped  in  the 
blankets,  and  applying  the  hot  water  bottle,  lie  quietly 
for  some  time.  Many  who  ordinarily  suffer  from  three 
to  five  days  can  be  relieved  in  one  hour  by  this  means 
alone.  This  course  will  prevent  a  recurrence  of  so 
severe  an  attack. 

The  curative  measures  employea  musr  accord  with 
the  pathological  condition  of  the  patient.  For  local 
ailments,  treatments  must  be  that  indicated  for  them; 
neuralgia  and  rheumatism  will  demand  their  own 
suitable  remedial  agents. 

A  lady,  thirty-five  years  of  age,  had  been  for  a  long 
time  a  great  sufferer  at  every  menstrual  period,  five 
or  six  days  being  spent  in  bed  each  month.  There 
was  apparently  no  uterine  disease.  Ordinary  treat- 
ment proved  ineffectual.  A  casual  inquiry  at  length 
disclosed  the  fact  that  she  had  long  been  afflicted 
with  rheumatism,  not  confined  to  any  locality.  This 
gave  a  clue  to  her  case,  and  a  short  treatment  for 
this  affection  resulted  in  entire  recovery  from  both 
that  malady  and  the  distressing  menstrual  attacks. 
The  thermal  bath  (Page  Ii8)  was  mainly  depended 
on  in  her  cure. 

Local  treatmeut  or  remedies  will  seldom  be  found 
necessary,  if  the  whole  system  is  kept  in  the  best  hy- 
gienic condition.  A  young  woman  had  for  nine  years 
been  a  martyr  to  dysmenorrhea,  spasms  attending 
every  period,  often  continuing  for  days.  Like  the 
woman  in  Scripture,  "She  had  suffered  many  things 
of  many  physicians,  and  had  spent  all  that  she  had, 
and  was  nothing  bettered,  but  rather  grew  worse," 
having  had  in  all  nine  doctors,  one  of  whom  had  per- 

17 


26o  A  COMMON  CASE. 

formed  a  severe  operation.  Although  still  young, 
she  was  almost  a  perfect  wreck.  She  had  no  strength 
for  manual  labor,  often  being  unable  to  walk  across 
the  room.  Her  mental  condition  was  equally  deplor- 
able, being  scarcely  able  to  do  for  herself.  She  was 
very  sensitive  to  the  cold,  and  consequently  wore 
much  heavy  clothing  suspended  around  her  hips. 

In  her  case  few  remedies  were  used.  She  was  in- 
duced to  make  a  radical  change  in  her  dress,  and  put 
upon  a  thorough  course  of  exercises  adapted  to  de- 
velop and  invigorate  the  muscles  of  the  abdomen, 
and  insure  a  healthy  action  of  the  viscera.  She  was 
also  encouraged  to  assist  daily  in  light  housework, 
with  much  free  exercise  in  the  open  air. 

The  change  was  marvelous.  Upon  the  recurrence 
of  her  next  period,  a  hot  sitz-bath  was  administered 
at  the  first  symptoms  of  distress,  and  relief  was 
speedy.  Her  improvement  steadily  continued;  she 
was  no  longer  agonized  with  pain  and  subject  to  con- 
vulsions. Before  the  three  months  of  her  treatment 
had  expired,  she  was  entirely  restored  to  health. 

The  alteration  in  her  appearance  was  great,  buoy- 
ancy of  manner  and  vivacity  of  expression  taking  the 
place  of  the  look  of  dumb  hopelessness  which  had 
been  hers.  The  leaden  load  of  physical  suffering  was 
lifted  from  her  brain,  and  a  new  mental  life  began. 
No  patient  could  evince  or  express  more  hearty  and 
grateful  appreciation  of  the  great  change  which  had 
been  wrought. 

This  is  only  one  of  many  instances  illustrating  the 
efficacy  of  simple  hygienic  methods.  The  cases  are 
infrequent  that  will  fail  to  respond  favorably  when 
nature  is  given  an  opportunity  to  rally  her  forces. 


REMEDIES  IN  MENSTRUATION.  261 

MenorrhagiayOT'^roixxsQ  menstruation,  accompanies 
inflammation,  ulceration,  polypus  and  other  uterine 
diseases.  It  is  not  unusual  to  find  it  with  dysmen- 
orrhea, as  it  may  be  induced  by  the  same  causes. 

The  general  treatment  and  remedies  are  similar  in 
both  disorders. 

Aconitum,  crude  tincture. — This  is  one  of  the  first 
remedies  to  be  sought  in  any  kind  of  hemorrhage, 
especially  where  there  is  throbbing  pulse,  with  cold 
hands  and  feet.  Dose: — Two  drops  in  half  a  glass  of 
water,  tablespoon  doses  every  ten  to  thirty  minutes, 
according  to  severity  of  case.  It  is  important  to  re- 
member that  aconite  is  a  number  one  remedy  in  the 
first  stages  of  hemorrhage  from  any  organ.  One 
can  hardly  go  amiss  in  giving  it.  It  has  a  specific 
effect  in  controlling  the  heart's  action,  and  thus  re- 
lieves congestion  and  hemorrhage.  An  old  lady  had 
for  twenty  years  been  subject  to  frequent  attack? 
of  hemorrhage  of  the  lungs.  She  never  allowed  her- 
self to  be  without  her  bottle  ofaconite,  and  was 
always  able  to  check  an  attack  by  using  it  promptly. 

Aco7iitu'my  2d. — Is  also  indicated  in  cases  of  inflam- 
.nation  or  congestion  of  the  uterus  or  ovaries,  es- 
pecially if  attended  with  febrile  symptoms. 

Cimicifuga,  2d. — Heavy,  aching  pain  in  the  back, 
extending  to  limbs,  restlessness,  cannot  keep  still. 
Rheumatic  or  neuralgic  dysmenorrhea.  It  is  also 
valuable  for  preparatory  treatment,  taken  two  or 
three  doses  a  day  for  ten  days  previous  to  the  recur- 
rence of  the  period. 

Belladonna,  2d. — Congestive  enlargement  of  the 
uterus  or  ovaries,  bearing  down  pains,  aafi  heat  in 
the  vagina. 


262  REMEDIES   IN   MENSTRUATION. 

Pulsatilla,  2d. — Vomiting,  fainting,  scanty  menses, 
chilliness,  moving  pains  in  abdomen,  mental  depres- 
sion, hysteria.     Discharges  bright  in  color. 

Caulophyllum,  2d. — Painful  menstruation,  with  a 
normal  discharge.  May  be  used  as  a  palliative  dur- 
ing the  menses,  and  as  a  curative  agent    meanwhile. 

Et'got,  jd  to  6th. — Very  severe,  cramp-like  pains, 
can  not  be  endured.  Discharge  dark,  clotted  and 
fetid;  surface  and  extremities  cold;  features  pinched. 

Dose: — In  each  of  the  above  remedies  ten  drops  in 
eight  spoonfuls  of  water.  Take  one  spoonful  every 
half  hour. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


DISEASES  OF  WOMEN. 

Uterine  diseases  are  the  cause  of  many  of  the 
pathological  symptoms  accompanying  pregnancy, 
and  may  be  the  cause  of  the  pain  in  parturition.  To 
attain  to  the  best  conditions  for  maternity,  the  re- 
moval of  these  disorders  is  essential. 

Nine-tenths  of  American  women  are  more  or  less 
afflicted  with  these  maladies.  They  are  thus  unfitted 
for  ordinary  vocations,  and  the  functions  of  repro- 
duction are  so  perverted  that  maternity  becomes  ^ 
dreaded  burden. 

This  book  is  not  a  "  doctor  book  "  in  the  ordinary 
understanding  of  that  term,  neither  is  this  chapter  a 
regular  treatise  upon  the  diseases  of  women.  The 
causes  of  these  ailments,  however,  and  some  simple 
common  sense  hints  are  given.  These  will  enable 
women  to  avoid  and  to  alleviate  suffering,  without 
resorting  to  drugs,  or  severe  local  treatment. 

Inflammation  is  the  most  common  derangement 
of  the  uterus  ;  indeed,  some  authors  claim  that  it 
causes  or  accompanies  all  other  uterine  diseases. 

Inflammation  may  affect  either  the  mucous  mem- 
brane, the  cervix  or  the  fundus,  or  the  entire  organ 
may  be  involved.  When  the  lining  membrane  only 
is  affected,  the  patient  has  heat  and  burning  in  the 
pelvis;  with  or  without  pain,  and  there  is  a  light, 

(263) 


264  INFLAMMATION — ULCERATION. 

glairy  discharge  which  later  may  become  dark  and 
offensive  and  often  irritating. 

Inflammation  in  the  fundus  or  cervix  gives  at  first 
a  dragging,  heavy  pain  in  the  pelvis,  extending  down 
the  thighs  and  legs,  with  heat  and  pain  in  the  lower 
part  of  the  back.  It  is  also  attended  with  swelling 
of  the  organ  and  more  or  less  discharge. 

As  the  disease  progresses  there  are  usually  sym- 
pathetic or  reflex  symptoms.  These  are  heat  and 
pain  in  the  top  of  the  head,  aching,  sore  pain  at  the 
base  of  the  brain,  a  pain  and  burning  between  the 
shoulders,  which  may  extend  up  and  down  the  spine, 
and  to  the  arms.  Physician  and  patient  both  are 
often  deceived,  and  diagnose  this  last  symptom  as 
neuralgia  or  spinal  complaint.  The  patient  may 
have  stricture  and  pain  in  the  throat,  with  a  dry,  ner- 
vous cough.  She  also  is  liable  to  severe  attacks  of 
headache,  suffers  from  dyspepsia,  and  indeed  her 
symptoms  are  apt  to  assume  the  form  of,  or  resemble 
any  disease. 

Her  mental  sufferings  are  even  worse  than  her 
physical.  She  has  loss  of  memory,  is  fretful  and  irri- 
table. Carried  to  the  extreme,  her  mind  becomes 
unbalanced  and  insanity  results.  Statistics  show  that 
uterine  disease  is  a  very  common  cause  of  insanity 
in  women. 

Ulceration  is  usually  found  upon  the  mouth  of  the 
womb,  or  occasionally  on  the  lining  membrane.  TJie 
raspberry  ulceration  is  the  most  common  form.  This 
appears  like  granulation  on  the  eyelids,  and  is 
always  preceded  and  accompanied  by  inflammation. 
The  surface  becomes  red,  swollen  and  then  abraded, 
resultiner  in  ulcers.    This  is  accompanied  by  a  thick, 


ERRORS  IN   DRESS.  26$ 

purulent,  yellow  discharge,  which,  as  the  disease 
advances,  becomes  thin  and  bloody,  with  an  offensive 
odor.  The  pain  and  reflex  symptoms  are  much  the 
same  as  in  inflammation. 

Induration,  or  thickening  and  hardening  of  the 
cervix  is  a  frequent  sequel  of  inflammation,  especially 
were  caustic  treatment  has  been  used. 

Violations  of  physical  laws  cause  the  occurrence  of 
the  above  named  diseases. 

Women  take  it  as  a  matter  of  course  that  the 
organs  of  generation  should  be  diseased,  without  one 
thought  of  their  responsibility  in  the  matter.  Physi- 
cians, too,  as  specialists,  treat  woman  much  as  though 
she  were  a  machine  to  be  adjusted  at  will. 

Errors  in  dress,  in  diet,  want  of  exercise  and  the 
abuse  of  the  sexual  relation  are  the  principal  causes 
of  these  ailments.  The  frequent  use  of  drugs  that  act 
directly  upon  the  generative  organs  induce  and  en- 
hance these  affections. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  the  customary  dress  of 
woman,  causing  such  deformity,  and  such  perversion 
of  all  her  powers,  is  the  prime  factor  in  producing  ail- 
ments peculiar  to  her  sex. 

Being  unequal  in  distribution,  it  leaves  the  extrem- 
ities unprotected  ;  by  pressure  it  restricts  digestion, 
respiration  and  circulation,  while  by  its  weight  it  bur- 
dens the  weakened  muscles. 

Who  has  the  power  to  save  women  from  this  one 
sin  }  Who  has  the  pen  or  voice  to  present  the  claims 
of  unborn  generations  .'*  Many  women  who  have  suf- 
fered years  from  uterine  diseases  have  finally  re- 
covered by  simply  adopting  a  hygienic  dress.  One 
thing  is  certain ;  it  matters  not  what  treatment  one 


266  HINTS  FOR  TREATMENT. 

takes  for  these  ailments,  she  can  not  hope  to  get  well 
and  keep  well  if  she  does  not  remove  the  restraints  of 
clothing.     (See  Chap.  VII.) 

In  diet,  highly  seasoned  food,  rich  pastries,  and  in- 
deed all  food  containing  in  excess  the  carbonaceous 
elements,  especially  the  fats  and  sweets,  will  produce 
an  inflammatory  condition.  Some  irritating  cause 
locates  the  affection  in  certain  organs.  Constipation 
also  will  induce  and  aggravate  any  uterine  affection. 

The  treatment  of  these  disorders  should  be  less 
local  than  constitutional.  The  whole  system  must 
have  the  best  conditions  for  health,  giving  nature  a 
chance  to  restore  harmony  in  organic  powers. 

The  tepid  sitz-bath  will  be  found  invaluable  in  both 
inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the  womb.  It  should 
be  taken  in  most  cases  as  often  as  every  other  day, 
preceded  by  exercise,  and  followed  by  friction  and 
rest.  Half  the  value  of  this  bath  is  lost  if  one  fails  to 
lie  down  after  it.  The  best  time  for  the  bath  is  in 
the  forenoon,  but  if,  on  account  of  daily  duties,  this 
time  is  unavailable,  there  is  no  special  objection  to 
taking  it  just  before  retiring.  It  is  very  quieting,  and 
prevents  sleeplessness. 

The  thermal  bath  (page  ii8)  is  especially  desirable 
if  the  circulation  seems  sluggish,  the  skin  inert,  and 
the  patient  sensitive  to  cold.     Take  it  twice  a  week. 

Hot  vaginal  injections  are  found  invaluable  for  these 
affections.  They  should  be  taken  with  a  fountain 
syringe,  using  a  large  quantity  of  water  as  hot  as  can 
be  borne.  If  practicable  the  patient  may  recline  over 
a  bed  pan.  Not  having  this,  she  should  stand  over  a 
vessel,  elevated  upon  a  chair.  If  the  discharge  from 
the  womb  is  offensive,  use  carbolic  soap  in  the  water. 


BEST  TREATMENT  267 

Glycerine  diluted  one-third  with  watei .  atad  applied 
by  inserting  absorbent  cottton  or  oakunii,  is  excellent 
to  reduce  inflammation  and  induration.  This  at  first 
increases  the  discharge.  In  severe  cases  it  can  be 
applied  daily,  but  ordinarily  every  other  day  is  suffi- 
cient. Some  mild  remedies  like  hydrastis  or  calen- 
dula are  useful  in  stimulating  healthy  action,  and  can 
be  used  under  the  direction  of  the  physician. 

Exercise  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  therapeutic 
measures  for  uterine  affections.  If  one  is  quite  fee- 
ble, applied  motion  in  the  form  of  Swedish  move- 
ments, massage  or  muscle-beating  is  most  desirable. 
Women  suffering  from  uterine  diseases  are  unable  to 
take  needful  exercise  in  an  erect  position.  Walking, 
riding,  housework,  etc.,  aggravate  the  symptoms,  in- 
creasing the  local  irritation  and  inflammation. 

In  most  women  the  muscles  of  the  trunk  or  the 
abdomen,  and  the  involuntary  muscles  of  respiration, 
from  lack  of  proper  use,  are  weak  and  atrophied. 
"They  have  not  been  trained  to  life's  occasions." 
The  following  exercises,  taken  in  a  reclining  posture, 
will  serve  the  purpose  of  producing  attrition  and 
vigor  of  muscles,  accelerating  the  circulation  of  the 
blood,  and  developing  the  involuntary  muscles  used 
in  respiration;  at  the  same  time  they  increase  the  ac- 
tion of  all  the  digestive  organs,  and  by  a  derivative 
effect  remove  local  inflammation,  beside^  mechani- 
cally correcting  mal-positions: 

1.  Reclining  on  back,  holding  knees  and  shoulders 
firm,  move  hips  from  side  to  side  ten  times. 

2.  Same  position,  on  spring  bed,  move  hips  up 
and  down  fifteen  times.  This  exercise  can  be  taken 
by  one  that  is  weak,  as  the  springs  aid  the  motion. 


268  VALUABLE  EXERCISE. 

3.  Flex  knees,  same  as  No.  i,  twenty  times. 

4.  Flex  knees,  same  as  No.  2,  twenty  times. 

5.  Flex  the  knees  and  sway  them  from  side  to  side 
twenty  times. 

6.  Flex  the  knees  and  elevate  the  hips,  resting  the 
body  on  shoulders  and  feet.  Move  slowly  up  and 
down  ten  times,  holding  to  count  ten. 

7.  Elbows  flexed  to  the  sides,  hands  grasped  by  an 
assistant  and  slowly  brought  to  a  horizontal  position 
parallel  with  the  head,  patient  resisting.  Bring  them 
back  to  the  sides,  assistant  resisting,  ten  times. 

8.  Same,  only  bring  arms  to  a  perpendiculaf 
position. 

9.  Reclining,  face  downward,  flex  knees  and  sway 
feet  from  right  to  left  fifteen  times. 

10.  With  the  help  of  an  assistant,  flex  and  extend 
the  limbs,  using  resistance  as  in  No.  7. 

11.  Rest  on  elbows,  and  sway  shoulders  from  right 
to  left  ten  times. 

12.  Elevate  the  body  slowly  five  times,  resting 
only  on  toes  and  elbows.     Hold  to  count  ten. 

13.  Recline  on  back  and  make  hand  thrusts,  with 
or  without  weights,  upward,  outward,  forward  and 
downward. 

14.  Same  position,  flex  and  thrust  the  limbs  down- 
ward alternately. 

15.  Kneel  face  downward,  gradually  raise  the  hips 
until  the  whole  weight  rests  upon  the  shoulders. 
Remain  in  this  position  for  five  minutes.  This  is  in- 
valuable for  prolapsus  and  retroversion,  and  should 
be  resorted  to  several  times  a  day.  One  may  get  the 
position  more  readily  by  sliding  off  from  a  bed  or 
lounge  head  first;  relatively,  stai;iding  on  one's  head. 


VALUABLE  EXERCISES.  269 

16.  Lie  face  downward  on  two  stools,  18  to  24 
inches  apart,  resting  the  knees  upon  one  and  the 
shoulders  upon  the  other,  five  minutes. 

17.  Same  position;  have  an  assistant  knead  the 
bowels  by  gentle  pressure  with  clenched  fists  five 
minutes. 

18.  Same  position,  elevating  hips  five  times. 

The  last  three  are  quite  severe,  but  if  there  is 
strength  to  adopt  them,  they  are  valuable  in  retro- 
version of  the  womb. 

If  there  is  no  pelvic  inflammation,  and  it  is  required 
to  aid  digestion  and  develop  the  muscles  of  trunk, 
the  following  are  invaluable: 

19.  Sit  upon  a  stool,  feet  firmly  upon  the  floor, 
hands  upon  sides,  hips  firm;  sway  body  from  side  to 
side  as  far  as  possible. 

20.  Same  position,  hands  clasped  over  the  head; 
sway  body  backward  and  forward. 

21.  Same  position;  combine  Nos.  19  and  20  m  a 
twisting  motion  of  the  body.  The  effect  of  the 
three  last  can  be  varied  by  holding  one  or  both  hands 
perpendicularly  over  the  head. 

22.  23,  24.  Same  as  19,  20  and  21,  only  standing 
position. 

The  beneficial  effects  are  increased  in  the  six  last 
by  inflating  the  lungs. 

The  severe  caustic  treatmemt  that  has  been 
so  universal  in  these  affections  is  greatly  to  be  de- 
precated. There  are  fashions  in  medicines  as  in  other 
things,  and  the  one  fashion  the  last  twenty-five  years 
has  been  local  treatment  for  diseases  of  women.  In 
no  department  of  medical  practice  has  the  physi- 
cian's prerogative  been  more  abused.    For  the  slight- 


270  CAUSTIC  TREATMENT. 

est  ailments  the  severest  applications  are  often  em- 
ployed. Nitrate  of  silver^  sulphate  of  zinc,  corrosive 
sublimate,  tannic  acid,  nitric  acid,  all  violent  in  their 
action,  are  in  common  use.  Physicians  are  known 
to  resort  frequently  to  the  application  of  a  probe, 
heated  to  a  white  heat,  and,  what  is  just  as  bad,  to 
wet  a  swab  in  fuming  nitric  acid,  and  introduce  it 
into  the  womb.  The  delicate  mucus  membrane  is 
burned  and  scarified,  the  patient  tortured,  and  the 
nerves  receive  a  severe  shock.  Patients  able  to  be 
about  are  often  laid  up  for  several  days  by  one  of 
these  treatments. 

One  day  I  met  a  lady  upon  the  street  who  had 
been  confined  to  the  house  for   two  years.     I  ex- 
pressed pleasure  at  seeing  her  out.    She  told  me  that 
she  could  get  out  because  her  doctor  was  absent  and 
her  local   treatment   suspended.     She   said:  "That 
always  makes  me  sick  in  bed  three  or  four  days." 
"What!  do  you  permit  such  treatment.-*" 
"The  doctor  says  I  cannot  get  well  without  it." 
She,  like  many  other  poor  suffering  women,  was 
persuaded  that  all  this  torture  was  necessary  to  her 
final  recovery. 

Physicians  are  known  to  keep  women  under  treat- 
ment two  or  three  years,  yet  frequently,  instead  of 
improvement,  there  is  only  a  constant  decline  in 
health  and  strength. 

The  tide  is  now  turning,  and  both  physicians  and 
patients  begin  to  see  that  a  great  wrong  has  been 
done.  So  high  an  authority  as  Dr.  Gaillard  Thomas 
says:  "Every  one  who  has  had  experience  in  the 
treatment  of  these  disorders  must  have  been  im- 
pressed with  the  wonderful   improvement  in  cases 


EMINENT  TESTIMONY.  2/1 

which  have  long  resisted  local  treatment^  resulting  from 
a  sea  voyage,  a  visit  to  a  watering  place,  a  course  of 
sea  bathing,  or  a  few  months  spent  in  the  country." 

Dr.  George  T.Elliott  says: — "In  cases  of  uter- 
ine diseases,  the  best  success  will  be  attained  by 
securing  for  patients  a  life  of  muscular  activity,  so 
equalizing  the  circulation.  And  that  thus  the  local 
treatment,  now  so  much  in  vogue,  might  commonly 
be  dispensed  with." 

"  It  is  easy  for  a  sensitive  woman  to  persuade  her- 
self that  her  afflictions  from  the  toothache  downward, 
are  due  to  diseases  of  the  womb.  Here  comes  in  the 
charlatan,  to  exaggerate  the  disease,  if  any,  and  to 
beguile  the  patient  with  promises  of  cure.  The 
speculum,  the  caustic  and  the  knife  look  like  work, 
and  she  feels  that  something  is  being  done  for  her. 

"  By  and  by  the  bubble  bursts,  and  for  all  the  good 
that  this  torture  has  accomplished,  the  poor  woman 
might  as  well  have  adopted  the  scientific  treatment 
of  La-potai,  namely,  the  application  of  a  blister  to 
the  top  of  the  head,  to  raise  the  fallen  womb." 

Dr.  E.  R.  Peaslee  says  of  local  treatments :  "They 
have  thus  far  produced,  on  the  whole,  more  evil  than 
good." 

Dr.  Taylor,  in  his  valuable  little  volume,  "  Health 
for  Women,"  assures  us  "  that  by  using  mere  local 
treatment,  the  essential  disease  itself  is  left  neglected, 
untouched,  and  even  unsought;  that  symptoms  only 
command  the  attention,  and  they  will  subside  and 
become  of  trifling  account  whenever  the  essential 
malady  is  recognized  and  provided  for." 

Such  words  as  these,  from  men  high  in  the  pro- 
fession, give  hope  of  a  tendency  to  a  reaction  from 


272  HOrEFUL  RESULTS. 

the  prevalent  dependence  on  local  treatment.  When 
such  men  take  the  back  course,  and  condemn  their 
own  uterine  surgery,  hope  may  arise  for  long-suffer- 
ing woman.  This  heal  treatment  should  be  protested 
against  by  zvomen.  It  is  a  relic  of  the  past,  and  is 
contrary  to  science  and  common  sense. 

Within  the  memory  of  many  now  living,  every 
patient  under  treatment  for  acute  or  chronic  diseases 
was  bled.  He  was  also  tortured  by  blisters,  leeches 
and  setons.  Had  he  fever,  he  was  denied  water  to 
quench  his  thir.'it.  How  the  mother's  heart  has  been 
wrung  with  anguish  when  her  darling  babe,  lying 
sick  in  her  arms,  has  pleaded  again  and  again  for 
water.?  Who  has  not  heard  "Drink!  mamma,  drink!" 
and  turned  to  hide  the  sympathetic  tear,  for,  by  the 
doctor's  orders,  the  little  one  must  be  denied! 

To-day,  where  is  the  physician  who  bleeds  his 
patient,  and  applies  the  blister  ">  Many  young  doc- 
tors have  never  even  seen  a  leech.  Who  would  think 
of  denymg  the  fever  patient  water,  and  all  that  he 
desires }  What  has  wrought  this  change }  Mainly 
the  protest  of  the  people.  Reforms  in  medical  prac- 
tice have  come  because  the  people  have  demanded 
them. 

Severe  local  treatment  should  be  classed  with  the 
bleeding  and  blistering,  and,  with  them,  be  relegated 
to  the  past.  Women  must  protest  positively  and  per- 
sistently against  the  burning,  probing  and  scarifying 
of  the  womb.  As  you  value  health  and  life,  seek  such 
measures  for  restoration  as  are  more  in  accordance 
with  nature.  With  these  diseases  as  with  others  the 
simplest  measures  are  the  most  effective. 

Leuchorrhea  is  not  a  disease,  it  is  only  a  symptom 


DISPLACEMENTS.  273 

of  uterine  derangement,  as  a  cough  is  of  a  lung  or 
throat  affection.  It  is  an  increase  of  the  normal  mu- 
cus secretion,  being  an  effort  of  nature  to  throw  off 
inflammation.  As  a  symptom  it  need  cause  no  un- 
easiness, and  should  not  be  interfered  with,  unless  by 
an  occasional  warm  vaginal  bath  to  insure  cleanliness. 
The  conditions  which  cause  the  discharge  being  re- 
moved, it  will  give  no  farther  annoyance. 

At  all  events  styptics  and  astringents  should  not  be 
resorted  to.  They  only  arrest  the  discharge  tem- 
porarily, and  do  not  remove  the  cause.  The  general 
and  local  treatment  for  inflammation  is  usually  suf- 
ficient. Remember  that  as  long  as  the  uterine  irrita- 
tion exists  one  is  better  to  have  this  discharge  than 
to  have  it  suppressed. 

The  displacements  of  the  uterus  most  frequently 
found  are  prolapsus,  retroversion  and  anteversion- 
Very  much  the  same  causes  induce  these  different 
deviations.  The  supporting  muscles  in  the  perineum 
become  weakened,  it  may  be  from  a  lack  of  exercise, 
or  from  the  constant  pressure  of  hardened  feces, 
consequent  upon  constipation,  or  sometimes  as  the 
result  of  long  continued  inflammation. 

The  viscera  are  pressed  down  from  above  by  the 
stricture  and  weight  of  clothing.  The  mobility  of 
the  organ  renders  it  susceptible  to  change  of  position 
under  these  circumstances. 

These  conditions  must  be  overcome,  or  treatment 
will  prove  futile.  In  most  cases  the  uterus  can  be 
readily  restored  to  its  natural  position.  First  remove 
the  pressure  from  above,  and  then  take  the  exercises 
prescribed  on  page  267.  This  will  give  room  for  the 
pelvic  viscera,  and  strengthen  the  supporting  muscles. 


274  PESSARIES— HYSTERIA. 

Nature's  recuperative  powers  are  never  more  re- 
markably demonstrated. 

The  prevailing  custom  of  introducing  pessaries  of 
rubber,  glass,  etc.,  is  to  be  deprecated.  While  they 
may  give  temporary  relief,  they  increase  the  relaxa- 
tion of  the  vagina  and  muscles,  besides  constantly 
drawing  the  attention  of  the  patient  to  her  ailment. 

The  connection  of  mind  and  thought  with  pelvic 
disorders  is  close,  and  is  susceptible  of  becoming  per- 
manently fixed  upon  any  organ.  The  effect  is  highly 
injurious.  It  must  result  in  increasing  this  kind  of 
morbid  action,  thus  fixing  and  perpetuating  the  dis- 
ease. This  should  most  carefully  be  guarded  against. 
In  every  way  divert  her  mind  from  the  subject.  Let 
her  but  forget  that  she  has  a  womb,  and  she  will  have 
found  the  best  remedy  for  her  affection. 

Hysteria  is  only  a  culmination  or  exaggeration 
of  the  reflex  or  nervous  symptoms  in  diseases  of  the 
uterus.  It  is  simply  temporary  insanity,  and  should 
be  treated  as  such.  The  patient  loses  self-control,  and 
gives  way  to  violent  paroxysms  of  laughing  or  cry- 
ing, possibly  fainting  fits  and  convulsions. 

Some  quiet,  decisive  means  will  restore  her.  In- 
halation of  ammonia,  cold  water  on  the  head,  a  hot 
foot  bath,  a  full  bath,  or  even  a  decided  word  from  a 
friend  readily  establishes  her  balance.  The  spoken 
word  must  not  be  given  in  a  combative  spirit,  but 
simply  with  cheerfulness  and  decision.  Banish  fear 
from  your  own  heart,  and  agitation  from  your  manner, 
and  then  say  to  the  patient,  "Why,  you  are  all  right! 
Listen  to  me  a  moment."  Get  her  attention,  then 
with  tact  relate  some  incident,  or  make  some  start- 
ling statement  that  will  change  the  current  of  her 


MIND  CONTROLS  THE  BODY.  275 

thought.  To  prevent  the  attacks,  treat  the  uterine 
affection  from  which  they  arise. 

The  mind  can  rise  superior  to  the  body  in  uterine 
affections,  as  in  all  other  bodily  ailments,  and  thus 
aid  in  establishing  harmony.  One  can,  by  persistent 
argument  with  himself,  conquer  or  dispel  the  thought 
of  pain  or  disease.  Also,  by  engaging  in  some  work 
which  calls  forth  the  highest  impulses. 

By  seeking  to  ennoble  and  enrich  the  lives  of 
others,  by  ignoring  personal  sense  and  pleasure,  the 
soul,  the  egOy  becomes  in  harmony  with  the  spirit  of 
the  universe,  and  this  harmony  should  give  health  of 
body,  as  well  as  peace  of  mind. 

The  body  is  only  a  reflection  of  the  spirit,  is  con- 
stantly and  entirely  subject  to  it,  and  if  the  spirit  rises 
above  error,  discord  and  sin,  dwelling  in  the  realm 
of  truth  and  love,  disease  and  infirmity  of  the  flesh 
cannot  exist. 


1^ 


CHAPTER  XXIL 


CHANGE  OF   LIFE. 

Change  of  life  is  one  of  the  scape-goats  of  phy- 
sicians and  bugbears  of  patients.  If  any  lady  from 
thirty-five  to  fifty-five  years  of  age  is  afflicted  with 
dyspepsia,  neuralgia,  rheumatism,  consumption  or 
any  other  ailment,  the  doctor,  not  being  able  to  cure 
her,  pronounces  it  the  meno-pause,  or  "change  of 
life,"  and  that  time  alone  can  bring  relief.  Most 
women  plan  and  expect  to  give  up  from  eight  to  ten 
years  of  the  best  part  of  their  lives  to  this  climacteric 
period.  They  consider  themselves  of  little  account 
for  business  or  social  duties.  They  must  be  petted 
and  nursed,  and  have  every  passing  whim  gratified. 

The  meno-pause  is  simply  a  cessation  of  ovulation. 
It  is  the  exhaustion  of  the  germ-making  power.  If  a 
woman  menstruates  because  of  the  jnonthly  ovula- 
tion and  deposit,  she  will  cease  to  menstruate  because 
ovulation  has  ceased  to  be  a  physiological  operation. 

At  puberty  the  ovaries  enlarge.  When  fully  de- 
veloped they  begin  casting  off  each  month  perfected 
ovula,  which  are  taken  up  by  the  fimbriated  extremi- 
ties of  the  oviducts  and  conveyed  to  the  uterus. 
This  function  of  the  uterus  continues  on  an  average 
thirty-two  years.  After  the  meno-pause  begins  the 
ovaries  become  small  and  shriveled,  resembling  " 

Qtach  stone  in  shape  and  appearance. 

(276) 


SYMPTOMS  OF  MENO-PAUSE.  27/ 

"At  the  same  time  that  the  ovaries  are  undergoing 
this  remarkable  degenerative  change,  a  similar  change 
is  taking  place  in  the  other  organs  of  generation. 
The  uterus  diminishes  in  size,  as  does  also  the  vagina. 
The  mouth  of  the  womb  becomes  contracted  and 
after  a  time  entirely  closed.  The  upper  part  of  the 
vagina  is  often  contracted  to  such  a  degree  as  to  pro- 
duce folds  closely  resembling  those  which  result 
from  serious  inflammation  about  the  uterus.  The 
breasts  usually  diminish  in  size.  These  changes  indi- 
cate unmistakably  the  decline  of  the  function  of  re- 
production, preparatory  to  its  entire  suspension. 

"As  a  rule,  the  capability  of  procreation  ceases 
with  the  cessation  of  menstruation;  but  this  is  not 
universally  the  case.  Instances  are  on  record  in 
which  pregnancy  has  occurred  before  the  appearance 
of  menstruation.  This  seeming  anomaly  is  due  to  the 
fact  that  ovulation  and  menstruation  are  really  two 
distinct  acts,  although  usually  coincident." 

Although  menstruation  usually  ceases  from  the 
forty-fifth  to  the  fiftieth  year,  cases  are  on  record  in 
which  "change  of  life"  occurred  at  much  earlier,  as 
well  as  later  periods.  Dr.  T.  J.  Patchen  relates  a 
remarkable  case  where  a  girl  ceased  menstruation  at 
twenty-two,  accompanied  by  all  the  physical  changes 
of  the  organism  as  well  as  attended  by  the  usual 
symptoms  of  that  period.  Cases  are  recorded  where 
menstruation  continued  with  regularity  until  the 
seventieth  year,  and  the  reproductive  function  re- 
mained unimpaired. 

In  a  state  of  health  the  meno-pause  should  be  at- 
tended by  no  unpleasant  symptom,  by  no  change 
from  the  normal  cond.'tion.    Ordinarily  all  the  suffer- 


278  IRREGULARITY— HOT  FLASHES. 

ings  and  ailments  incident  to  this  period  can  be 
accounted  for  from  some  ovarian  or  uterine  disease, 
dyspepsia,  or  other  deviation  from  health.  Irrita- 
tion or  congestion  in  the  ovaries,  more  than  any 
other  cause,  decides  the  numerous  symptoms  of  the 
climacteric.  Uterine  inflammation  or  derangement 
also  causes  many  of  the  distressing  ailments  of  the 
meno-pause. 

Irregularity  in  menstruation  may  be  looked  for 
about  the  forty-fourth  year  in  temperate  climates.  In 
the  torrid  zone,  where  girls  menstruate  as  early  as  the 
tenth  or  twelfth  year,  it  may  occur  much  earlier.  But 
in  this  country  it  is  often  delayed  even  far  beyond 
the  fiftieth  year. 

There  may  be  occasional  absence  of  the  menses,  or 
it  may  first  be  indicated  by  frequent  and  profuse 
menstruation.  In  rare  cases  the  menses  cease  sud- 
denly, without  any  warning  or  any  special  derange- 
ment. Women  often  feel  alarmed  at  the  sudden 
suspension  of  this  discharge,  but  their  fears  are 
groundless  if  all  other  functions  are  normal.  With 
some  women  the  flow  is  alternately  scanty  and  pro- 
fuse for  months. 

The  length  of  time  in  which  these  symptoms  occur 
is  extremely  variable.  It  may  be  only  a  few  months 
or  it  may  be  several  years.  In  extreme  cases  the 
symptoms  have  continued  nearly  twenty  years.  The 
average  period,  however,  is  about  three  years. 

These  changes  are  accompanied  by  various  path- 
ological symptoms.  Hot  flashes  or  "flushings"  are 
especially  peculiar  to  this  period.  First  one  feels  a 
decided  glow  or  heat,  as  if  suddenly  transported  to  a 
hot  room;  this   is  soon  followed  by  a  perspiration 


PROFUSE    PERSPIRATION—  HEMORRHAGE.     279 

which  may  terminate  in  a  chill.  They  are  often  ac- 
companied with  a  sense  of  suffocation  or  violent 
throbbing.  The  phenomenon  is  precisely  the  same 
as  blushing,  and  indeed  this  may  be  said  to  be  a  sort 
of  pathological  blushing. 

With  some  the  chill  is  the  precursor  of  the  "  hot 
spell."  The  flashes  occur  at  all  times  of  day,  and 
often  one  awakens  with  them  in  the  night.  They 
may  occur  but  two  or  three  times  a  day  or  every  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes,  making  one  wretched  by  their  fre- 
quency. They  are  often  the  result  of  some  sudden 
emotion  as  fright,  anger,  grief  or  anxiety.  They 
are  wonderfully  the  product  of  thought.  By  obser- 
vation the  patient  will  notice  that  they  are  also  more 
frequent  after  drinking  wine,  tea  and  coffee,  or  par- 
taking of  stimulating  food.  Sometimes  nausea  and 
vomiting  accompany  flushings,  as  well  as  a  feeling  of 
weakness  and  fualaise. 

Profuse  perspiration,  sometimes  so  copious  as  to 
saturate  the  bed  clothing,  is  also  a  common  symp- 
tom of  this  period.  This  may  follow  the  hot  flushes 
or  occur  independently,  but  occurs  more  usually  dur- 
ing sleep.  It  may  accompany  mental  excitement 
of  any  kind. 

Uterine  Hemorrhage,  common  to  the  "change  of 
life,"  is  the  only  peculiar  symptom  which  really  need 
cause  any  special  anxiety.  This  may  occur  once  a 
month  or  at  longer  intervals,  or  may  be  almost  con- 
stant. It  may  become  so  profuse  as  to  endanger  the 
life  of  the  patient.  Indeed,  one  is  often  surprised 
that  life  can  be  sustained  under  the  great  loss  of  blood 
that  some  experience. 

The  appetite  is  sometimes  capricious  and  fitful,  as 


28o  TUMORS— MENTAL  SYMPTOMS. 

during  pregnancy,  or  at  the  beginning  of  menstrua- 
tion. Frequent  derangements  of  stomach,  liver  and 
kidneys  occur. 

Skin  diseases,  often  accompanying  this  period,  are 
especially  distressing  from  being  attended  with  great 
itching.  One  also  may  have  constipation,  ordiarrhea, 
swelled  limbs  or  Joints,  swelled  breasts,  headaches, 
with  heat  and  burning  in  top  of  the  head  or  a  sore 
pain  at  base  of  the  brain  ;  dizziness,  dimness  of  vision 
with  floating  specks  before  the  eyes,  loss  of  voice  and 
aching  at  the  base  of  the  tongue,  insomnia,  strange 
cravings,  difficult  breathing,  neuralgia,  hysteria,  etc. 

Tumors,  caticers,  polypi,  etc.,  are  more  frequent  dur- 
ing the  meno-pause  than  at  any  other  time  of  life.  If 
the  neck  of  the  womb  has  been  injured  by  attempts 
at  abortion  or  indurations  caused  by  frequent  applica- 
tions of  caustics,  conditions  are  produced  that  are 
liable  to  result  in  cancer. 

"  The  mental  symptoms  are  quite  as  marked  and 
prominent  in  most  cases  as  are  those  which  relate  to 
any  part  of  the  system.  Loss  of  memory  to  a  greater 
or  less  extent  is  apt  to  be  first  and  most  noticeable. 
Frequently  there  is  an  entire  and  most  remarkable 
change  in  disposition.  A  kind,  patient  mother,  or  for- 
bearing, confiding,  exemplary  wife,  becomes  irritable, 
unreasonable  and  suspicious. 

"  Her  natural  modesty  may  even  give  place  to  wan- 
tonness in  extreme  cases,  and  the  mother  instincts 
may  become  so  thoroughly  obliterated  as  to  cause  an 
almost  uncontrollable  desire  to  take  the  lives  of  her 
little  ones.  The  once  happy  woman  becomes  despon- 
dent, moody  and  taciturn.  She  avoids  com.pany,  has 
no  taste  for  amusements,  and  spends  her  time  in 


SUCCESSFUL  TREATMENT.  2»I 

watching  the  varying  symptoms,  and  bewailing  her 
real  and  imaginary  woes.  In  many  cases,  actual  in- 
sanity, usually  of  a  temporary  character,  is  the  result 
of  the  profound  disturbance  which  the  system  under- 
goes at  this  time." 

Constipation  is  not  unfrequently  attendant  upon, and 
the  cause  of,  many  symptoms  of  the  meno-pause. 

General  Treatment. — First:  Convince  yourself 
that  there  is  no  actual  need  of  any  indisposition  con- 
nected with  the  "  change  of  life."  Forget  all  the 
traditions  and  teachings  upon  this  subject,  and  learn 
that  nature  creates  no  pathological  conditions,  and  that 
if  you  live  according  to  her  laws  you  can  by  no  pos- 
sible means  experience  suffering. 

You  have  no  use  for  these  ailments.  If  you  are  pos- 
sessed of  any  stubbornness  in  your  nature,  bring  it 
into  requisition  at  this  time.  Plant  your  foot  down 
with  emphasis,  and  say,  with  one  of  old,  "  Get  thee 
behind  me,  Satan." 

It  is  thoroughly  proven  that  mind  can  control  even 
malignant  diseases,  and  a  woman  that  has  lived  until 
she  is  forty-five  should  know  enough,  and  be  strong 
enough  in  her  mental  organization  to  say  to  these 
symptoms,  "  I  will  not  be  your  slave,  you  cannot 
dominate  my  life  and  chain  my  energies."  Do  not 
wait  for  some  doctor  to  cure  you  with  bread-pills  or 
placebo  powders. 

'X\iQ  physical  should  be  subjective  to  the  inental,2Ss.A  can 
be  if  one  learns  the  law.  The  world  is  only  begin- 
ning to  know  how  much  can  be  accomplished  for 
physical  health  by  the  controlling  power  of  the  mind. 

The  charge  must  be  laid  to  physicians  that  women 
have  made  such  a  mountain  of  the  meno-pause,  and 


282  NATURAL    REMEDIES, 

they  must  undo  their  work  by  teaching  that  this  is 
only  a  natural  change,  and  removing  it  from  the  cate- 
gory of  diseases. 

Before  and  during  this  period  observe  all  condi- 
tions of  hygiene.  Perfect  health  and  vigor  is  more 
frequently  attainable  than  women  are  apt  to  believe. 
The  maintaining  of  a  hygienic  life  by  proper  dress, 
diet,  etc.,  will  go  far  toward  causing  the  "  change  of 
life"  as  a  deranged  condition  to  be  unknown. 

Sleep  in  rooms  so  thoroughly  ventilated  that  the 
air  will  be  as  pure  and  sweet  as  the  out-door  atmos- 
phere. If  women  would  increase  the  capacity  of 
their  lungs  and  breathe  air  abundantly  charged  with 
oxygen,  four-fifths  of  their  ailments  would  be  pre- 
vented. But  who  has  the  wisdom  to  convince  them 
of  this.? 

The  dress  and  exercise  that  increase  ability  to 
breathe  with  the  diaphragm  and  abdominal  muscles 
do  more  to  prevent  and  cure  diseases  of  women,  if 
not  all  diseases,  than  all  other  possible  preventives  or 
medicines.  When  a  mother  thinks  her  rosy  nine- 
year-old  daughter  is  deformed,  and  she  must  begin  to 
put  her  in  stay3  to  change  her  Jioj-rid  figure  to  one 
that  is  trim  and  neat,  what  can  we  hope  for  the  daugh- 
ter when  she  takes  the  responsibility  of  her  own  gar- 
ments.? If  I  could  do  the  greatest  thing  to  stay  de- 
generacy and  disease  of  the  human  race  it  would  be 
to  convince  women  that  lung  power  more  than  any- 
thing else  contribute:  to  health,  longevity  and  power 
of  endurance.  To  attain  this  a  radical  change  must 
be  made  in  clothing. 

A  sponge  bath  (page  112),  upon  arising  in  the 
morning,    taken    quickly,    three    or  four    times    a 


BATHS   AND   DIET.  283 

week,  is  valuable  during  change  of  life.  Accom- 
pany it  by  friction  from  the  hand,  a  Turkish  towel  or 
flesh  brush.  Follow  it  by  a  draught  of  cold  or  hot 
water,  the  latter  if  there  is  dyspepsia. 

A  hot  sitz-bath  should  be  taken  in  case  of  inflam-^ 
mation  of  the  ovaries  or  uterus,  (See  page  184.)  This 
may  be  taken  every  day  for  a  week,  and  then  every 
other  day.  In  case  of  hemorrhage  this  bath  is  invalu- 
able, and  will  relieve  it  when  all  other  means  have 
failed.  It  can  be  taken  during  the  hemorrhage  orat 
frequent  intervals  between  times. 

Hot ov tepid vaginalinjections  are  invaluable  for  con- 
trolling hemorrhage  and  removing  congestion  of  the 
uterus.  For  this  it  is  best  to  use  a  fountain  syringe, 
hung  very  high  so  as  to  get  good  force  to  the  water. 
This  measure  alone  often  removes  many  of  the  un- 
pleasant symptoms  of  the  meno-pause. 

Hoi  fomentations  may  be  applied  twice  a  day  for 
pain  in  the  back.  The  hot  water  bottle  is  the  best 
for  this.  Should  be  very  hot  and  continued  thirty  or 
forty  minutes,  or  even  longer.  If  there  is  pain  at 
base  of  the  brain  or  in  the  pelvic  region  this  same  ap- 
plication is  invaluable. 

The  Thermal  bath  (page  1 18)  taken  three  times  a 
week  will  be  found  invaluable  in  all  the  ailments  of 
the  meno-pause. 

Sanguinaria,  2d,  will  give  temporary  relief  from 
hot  flashes.     Dose,  six  pellets  every  two  hours. 

Alcohol  and  aqua-ammonia,  equal  parts,  heated  over 
steam,  as  hot  as  can  be  borne,  and  applied  with  the 
hand,  relieves  profuse  perspiration.  Or  rub  the  en- 
tire surface  with  very  hot  fine  salt.  Hot  baths  will 
be  found  useful  for  this  also. 


284  SIMPLE  HABITS. 

The  diet  during  the  change  of  life  should  be 
simple,  consisting  largely  of  fruits  and  grains,  mod- 
erate in  quantity.  These  can  be  prepared  in  many 
palatable  and  dainty  dishes.  (See  Dietetics.)  If  one 
has  been  accustomed  to  high  living,  to  rich  and 
greasy  food,  composed  largely  of  the  carbonaceous 
starch,  sugar  and  fat,  a  change  to  a  simple  diet  will 
work  wonders  in  a  short  time. 

The  habit  once  established  for  a  diet  that  furnishes 
the  nutriment  demanded  for  the  system,  one  cannot 
be  induced  to  return  to  that  which  gorges,  stimulates 
and  fattens,  but  does  not  nourish.  The  real  relish 
and  gustatory  pleasure  found  in  a  fruit  and  grain  diet 
can  never  be  appreciated  by  those  who  indulge  in 
inconsistent  mixtures  of  stimulants  and  disease-pro- 
ducing elements.  If  there  is  no  appetite,  wait  for  its 
bidding;  do  not  coax  it  by  stimulants  and  appetizers. 
Rest  of  the  digestive  organs  is  often  the  best  and 
surest  cure  for  many  diseases. 

Let  the  woman  who  is  a  sufferer  from  hot  flushes, 
dizziness,  neuralgia,  etc.,  give  up  strong  tea  and 
coffee,  hot  bread,  pork,  and  rich  pies  and  cake.  Eat 
only  what  the  appetite  demands;  and  until  the 
severest  symptoms  are  relieved,  partake  of  food  not 
more  than  twice  a  day,  and  possibly  only  once.  In 
fasting,  if  the  stomach  has  a  feeling  of  goneness  or 
craving,  drink  a  cup  of  hot  water,  hot  lemonade  or 
thin  gruel,  made  from  wheat,  barley  or  oats.  A  sense 
of  faintness  and  the  inability  to  omit  or  postpone  a 
single  meal  is  almost  a  sure  indication  of  dyspepsia. 
In  hundreds  of  cases  all  the  symptoms  and  diseases 
of  change  of  life  will  yield  to  treatment  for  this  com" 
mon  ailment.    (Page  42.) 


NATURE  ALWAYS   KIND.  285 

Look  to  it  that  a  constipated  habit  is  entirely  over- 
come. Study  and  follow  the  hints  in  Chap.  V., 
and  the  cases  are  rare  that  torpidity  of  the  bowels 
cannot  be  removed.  For  any  serious  illness  accom- 
panying the  change  of  life,  a  physician  should  be 
consulted.  In  all  ordinary  cases,  however,  one  can 
be  relieved  entirely  and  that  in  a  short  time  by  relig- 
iously following  the  foregoing  advice.  Nature  is 
kind  and  heals  all  our  maladies  if  we  only  give  her 
the  shadow  of  an  opportunity.  In  the  climacteric 
period  put  yourself  in  harmony  with  nature's  laws 
and  you  will  have  no  occasion  for  the  physician's 
potions. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


DIETETICS. 

In  what  thou  eatest  and  drinkest,  seek  from  thence 
Due  nourishment,  not  gluttonous  delight. 
So  mayest  thou  live,  till,  like  ripe  fruit,  thou  drop 
Into  thy  mother's  lap ;  or  be  with  ease 
Gathered,  not  harshly  plucked  ;  for  death  mature. 

— MlLTOW. 

DRINKS  FOR  THE  SICK. 

LEMONADE. 

Juice  of  half  a  lemon,  one  tea-spoon  white  sugar, 
one  goblet  water.  Grate  into  it  a  lictle  peel  if  desired. 

HOT    LEMONADE. 

Is  made  the  same  way,  only  using  hot  water.  Is 
good  for  colds  and  biliousness. 

ORANGE  WHEY. 

The  juice  of  one  orange  to  one  pint  sweet  milk. 
Heat  slowly  until  curds  form,  strain  and  cool.  Good 
drink  after  confinement. 

RENNET  WHEY. 

One  quart  milk,  almost  boiling  ;  two  table-spoons 
prepared  rennet  or  a  piece  of  rennet  which  has  been 
soaked  in  water.  Sugar  to  taste.  Stir  the  rennet 
into  the  milk  ;  let  it  stand  until  cool,  then  strain. 

(286) 


DIETETICS.  287 

EGG  LEMONADE. 

White  of  one  egg,  one  table-spoon  pulverized 
sugar.  Juice  of  one  lemon,  one  goblet  water.  Beat 
together.  Very  grateful  in  inflammation  of  lungs, 
stomach  or  bowels. 

GUM  ARABIC  WATER. 

One  tea-spoon  gum  arabic,  one  goblet  cold  water, 
stand  until  it  dissolves.  Flavor  with  juice  of  lemon, 
orange,  or  any  other  fruit. 

JELLY    WATER. 

Sour  jellies  dissolved  in  water  make  a  pieasant 
drink  for  fever  patients. 

OATMEAL  TEA. 

Two  table-spoons  raw  oatmeal  to  one  quart  cold 
water,  stand  two  hours  in  a  cool  place,  then  drain  off 
as  it  is  wanted.  Nourishing  in  convalescence,  and 
an  unequalled  drink  for  harvesters  or  moulders. 

TOAST  WATER. 

Toast  slowly  a  thin  piece  of  bread  till  it  is  extreme- 
ly brown  and  hard,  but  not  black.  Put  it  in  a  bowl 
of  cold  water,  and  cover  tightly.  Let  it  stand  an 
hour  before  using. 

SAGO  MILK. 

Three  table-spoons  sago,  soaked  in  a  cup  of  cold 
water  one  hour  ;  add  three  cups  boiling  milk,  sweeten, 
and  flavor  to  taste.  Simmer  slowly  half  hour,  eat 
warm.     Tapioca  milk  is  made  in  the  same  way. 

FLAXSEED  LEMONADE. 

Two  table-spoons  of  whole  flaxseed  to  a  pint  of 


288  DIETETICS. 

boiling  water;  let  it  stand  until  cool,  then  strain  and 
add  the  juice  of  two  lemons  and  two  table-spoons 
honey.  Invaluable  for  coughs  and  suppression  of 
urine. 

TAMARIND  WATER. 

One  tumbler  of  tamarinds,  one  pint  cold  water. 
Turn  water  over  tamarinds  and  let  it  stand  an  hour; 
strain  before  using.  Currant  jelly  or  cranberry  jelly 
can  be  used  similarly. — Mrs.  Owens^  Cook  Book, 

BEEF  TEA. 

One  pound  lean  beef  cut  into  small  pieces,  put  into 
a  bottle  without  a  drop  of  water,  cover  tightly  and 
set  in  a  pot  of  cold  water;  heat  gradually  to  a  boil, 
and  continue  boiling  steadily  for  three  or  four  hours, 
until  the  meat  is  like  rags,  and  the  juice  all  out.  Salt 
to  taste. 

Beef  tea  does  not  afford  as  much  nutrition  as  peo- 
ple have  been  taught.  It  is  readily  taken  up  by 
absorption,  and  is  desirable  where  a  mild  stimulant 
is  required.  In  fevers  and  inflammations  bran  or  oat- 
meal gruel  furnish  much  more  desirable  nutrition. 

BEEF  TEA  A  STIMULANT,  AND  NOT  A  FOOD. 

Notwithstanding  it  has  been  repeatedly  shown 
that  beef  tea  is  not  a  food,  the  laity,  and  to  a  consid- 
erable extent  the  profession,  are  slow  to  be  convinced. 
That  patients  fed  on  beef  tea  slowly  starve  is  a  fact, 
which  the  analysis  only  too  conclusively  supports, 
and  which  is  sustained  by  accurate  clinical  observa- 
tion. In  the  Lancet  for  October,  1880,  p.  562,  Mr.  G. 
F.  Masterman  publishes  an  analysis,  which  shows 
that  beef  tea  has  a  chemical  composition  similar  to 


DIETETICS.  289 

urine.  Beef  tea,  most  carefully  prepared,  says  Dr. 
Neale  in  the  Practitioner  (November,  188 1),  does  not 
contain,  including  alkaline  salts,  more  than  from  1.5 
to  2.25  per  cent,  solid  matters,  and  such  matter  is 
mainly  composed  of  urea,  kreatin,  kreatinin,  isolin 
and  decomposed  hematin.  As  a  stimulant,  beef  tea 
may  be,  and  often  is,  highly  serviceable,  but  as  a 
means  of  support  during  the  exhausting  drain  of  a 
long  illness,  it  does  not  compare  in  nutritive  value  to 
milk.  Dr.  Lauder  Brunton  raises  the  question 
whether  beef  tea,  a  product  of  muscular  waste,  may 
not  under  some  circumstances  be  actually  poisonous! 
— Medical  News, 

RICE  GRUEL. 

Two  table-spoons  rice,  one  qaart  cold  water;  steep 
slowly  one  hour;  strain  through  a  gravy  strainer; 
add  a  little  cream  and  salt. 

GRUEL  FROM  RICE  FLOUR. 

Wet  one  table-spoon  flour,  stir  into  boiling  water, 
cook  five  minutes. 

CORN  TEA. 

Parch  common  corn  until  browned  through,  grind, 
and  pour  on  boiling  water.  Drink  with  or  without 
cream.   Excellent  for  nausea,  vomiting  and  diarrhea. 

WHEAT,  OAT  OR  BARLEY  COFFEE. 

Brown  the  grain  thoroughly,  and  grind.  Can  be 
mixed  if  desirable.  Take  three  table-spoonfuls.  Mix 
with  the  white  of  an  Q^g,  pour  over  it  one  quart  of 
boiling  water.  When  it  comes  to  a  boil,  set  it  on  the 
back  part  of  the  stove  and  steep  slowly  fifteen  min- 


290  DIETETICS 

utes.     A  nourishing  drink  and  a  gfood  subf^^tute  tor 
tea  and  coffee.     When  made  right  is  verv  ^nlatable. 

BRAN  GRUEL. 

Boil  for  half  an  hour  one  pint  of  bran  of  white 
wheat,  in  three  pints  of  water.  Strain  through  a 
gravy  strainer  and  add  a  little  salt.  This  is  a  good 
gruel  for  fevers  and  inflammations.  Makf'%  a  good 
drink  by  thinning  and  adding  lemon  juice. 

CORN  MEAL  GRUEL. 

One  table-spoon  finely  sifted  corn  meal  wet  in  cold 
water.  Have  one  quart  boiling  water  in  agruelpan, 
dip  a  spoonful  of  this  thin  cold  batter  into  the  water, 
stir,  let  it  boil  up,  and  then  add  another  spoonful,  and 
so  on  until  the  gruel  is  of  the  right  consistence.  Let 
it  boil  briskly  twenty  minutes  or  more.  Salt  to  taste. 

GRAHAM   GRUEL. 

Make  like  cornmeal  gruel.  Can  be  strained  or  not, 
as  desired. 

OATMEAL  GRUEL. 

Stir  two  table-spoons  of  oatmeal  in  one  quart  boil- 
ing water.  If  the  meal  is  coarse,  boil  one  hour  and 
strain  through  a  gravy  strainer.  Wheatlet  gruel 
prepared  in  same  manner. 

MILK   PORRIDGE. 

One  and  a  half  table-spoons  fllour,  wet  to  a  paste, 
stirred  in  a  quart  of  boiling  milk;  add  a  pinch  of  salt; 
can  substitute  rice  flour,  oatmeal,  arrowroot,  corn 
starch,  or  the  Lockport  entire  wheat  flour. 
BAKED   MILK. 

Put  half  a  gallon  of  milk  in  a  jar  and  tie  over  it 


DIETETICS.  291 

writing  paper.  Let  it  stand  in  a  moderate  oven  eight 
or  ten  hours.  It  will  be  like  cream,  and  is  good  for 
consumptives  and  invalids  generally.— J/r^.  Oweni 
Cook  Book, 

HOT  MILK. 

Take  nine  parts  of  milk  and  one  part  of  water,  and 
heat  to  1 10°  F.  in  a  milk  boiler.  Sipping  this  slowly,' 
the  saliva  combines  with  the  milk,  and  this  with  the 
added  water  will  prevent  coagulation  in  the  stomach; 
hence  will  be  taken  up  at  once  by  the  absorbents. 
This  is  valuable  food  in  morning  sickness  of  preg- 
nancy and  for  nursing  women.  It  is  also  good  in  low 
fevers  and  nervous  dyspepsia. 

The  Medical  Record^  speaking  of  hot  milk  as  a  bev- 
erage, says:  "  Milk  heated  to  much  above  100°  F. 
loses  for  the  time  a  degree  of  its  sweetness  and  its 
density.  No  one  who,  fatigued  by  over-exertion  of 
body  or  mind,  has  ever  experienced  the  reviving  in- 
fluence of  a  tumbler  of  this  beverage,  heated  as  hot 
as  it  can  be  sipped,  will  willingly  forego  a  resort  to  it 
because  of  its  having  been  rendered  somewhat  less 
acceptable  to  the  palate.  The  promptness  with  which 
its  cordial  influence  is  felt  is  indeed  surprising.  Some 
portion  of  it  seems  to  be  digested  and  appropriated 
almost  immediately;  and  many  who  now  fancy  they 
need  alcoholic  stimulants  when  exhausted  by  fatigue, 
will  find  in  this  simple  draught  an  equivalent  that 
shall  be  abundantly  satisfying,  and  far  more  endur- 
ing in  its  effects." 

BUTTERMILK. 

Buttermilk,  when  sweet  and  fresh  from  the  churn, 
is  nutritious  and  wholesome.    It  contains  about  2>2> 


292  DIETETICS. 

per  cent,  of  water,  4  of  nitrogenous  food,  3  of  sugar, 
only  a  trifle  of  fat,  and  considerable  mineral  matter, 
by  some  estimated  at  over  5  per  cent.  There  is  also 
a  small  amount  of  lactic  acid.  As  a  heat  producing 
food,  it  is  poor.  There  are  many  forms  of  dyspepsia 
in  which  it  "  will  set  on  the  stomach  "  when  hardly 
anything  else  will.  Often  in  fevers  this  organ  be- 
comes rebellious  from  the  effects  of  larg"';  amounts 
of  medicine,  and  it  is  then  a  serious  question  how  to 
nourish  the  patient.  In  such  cases  buttermilk  is  some- 
times found  to  be  the  best  food  that  can  be  given. 

In  diabetes  it  may  be  employed  as  a  chief  article  of 
diet  to  great  advantage.  Corpulent  people  who  will 
not  adopt  the  bread  and  fruit  regimen  and  take  much 
exercise,  may  use  buttermilk  in  preference  to  milk. 
It  may  be  put  in  clean  bottles  and  canned  or  sealed, 
as  in  preserving  fruit,  and  kept  for  a  long  time.  Af- 
ter a  little,  one  becomes  fond  of  the  taste  and  relishes 
it.  It  ought  not  be  allowed  to  stand  till  it  is  bitter 
before  using.— i^.  Holbrook. 

BUTTERMILK  POP. 

Put  one  quart  of  buttermilk  in  the  milk  boiler. 
When  nearly  boiling,  add  two  table-spoons  flour 
which  has  been  rubbed  with  one  tea-spoon  of  milk. 
Stir  until  boiling.  Good  in  nausea  and  heartburn  of 
pregnancy.  Also  for  nervous  dyspepsia.  I  knew 
one  man  that  lived  on  buttermilk  pop  alone  for  six 
months,  and  cured  himself  of  dyspepsia. 

CHICKEN  BROTH. 

In  one  quart  of  water  boil  the  dark  meat  of  half  a 
chicken  with  a  table-spoon  of  rice  or  barley;  skim  off 


DIETETICS.  293 

the  fat;  use  as  soon  as  the  rice  is  well  done.  When 
taken  up,  add  a  few  narrow  strips  of  bread  toasted — 
%ot  too  brown. 

MACARONI  SOUP. 

Into  a  quart  of  boiling  watei  put  a  handful  of 
macaroni  broken  into  inch  pieces.  Let  it  boil  an 
hour,  then  add  two  cups  of  strained  stewed  tomato, 
and  just  before  serving  pour  in  half  a  cup  of  cream. 
A  delicious  soup. 

FARINA  SOUP. 

Add  to  any  kind  of  soup  stock  one  half  cup  of 
farina,  the  same  of  cream,  or  an  egg  well  beaten,  and 
let  it  cook  gently  half  an  hour  before  serving. 

TOMATO  SOUP. 

Put  one  pint  of  canned  or  fresh  tomatoes  and  one 
quart  of  water,  in  a  granite  stew  pan.  When  boil- 
ing, thicken  with  three  table-spoons  of  graham  flour 
mixed  with  cold  water.  Add  one  quart  milk  and 
Btir  until  it  boils,  this  prevents  curdling.  Season  to 
taste.     Can  be  made  in  ten  minutes. 

PUREE  OF  SPLIT  PEAS. 
One  cup  of  split  peas.  Soak  over  night.  Put  on 
in  cold  water.  Boil  two  hours  slowly.  Put  through 
the  colander.  Heat  in  the  kettle  a  cup  of  sweet 
cream,  into  which  has  been  stirred  two  large  spoon- 
fuls graham  flour,  or  that  of  entire  wheat,  and  a  pinch 
of  salt.  When  it  thickens,  return  the  peas  to  the 
kettle  and  stir.     Then  set. back. 

LEMON  JELLY. 
Moisten  two  table-spoons  corn  starch,  stir  into  one 
pint  boiling  water;  add  the  juice  of  two  lemons  and 


^94  DIETETICS. 

one-third  cup  of  sugar.     Grate  in  a  little  of  the  rind. 
Put  in  moulds  to  cool. 

LEMON  GELATINE. 

Soak  one  ounce  of  gelatine  in  a  quart  of  water. 
When  dissolved,  pour  it  in  a  saucepan  and  let  it 
come  to  a  boil.  Add  the  juice  of  three  lemons,  a 
little  grated  rind,  and  one  cup  of  sugar.  Strain 
through  a  thin  cloth,  put  into  moulds,  and  set  on  ice 
to  cool. 

SAGO  JELLY. 

Soak  five  table-spoons  sago  in  half  a  pint  cold 
water  thirty  minutes,  then  add  one  cup  sugar  and 
two  table-spoons  lemon  juice.  Pour  over  three  cups 
boiling  water;  boil  the  whole  in  a  farina  b/jiler  one 
hour;  pour  into  moulds;  when  cold  tun/  out  and 
serve  with  fruit  juice. 

SAGO  CURRANT  JELLY. 

Soak  in  cold  water  five  table-spoons  saao  one  hour: 
strain  off  the  water,  add  half  pint  currant  juice 
(strained);  boil  slowly  fifteen  minutes,  stirring  occa- 
sionally, then  add  half  a  cup  sugar.  Pour  into 
moulds;  serve  the  following  day  without  sauce. 
Cranberries  or  other  acid  fruits  can  be  used.  Makes 
a  very  tempting  dish  for  an  invalid. 

NUTRINA  OR  BRAN  JELLY. 

1st.  Go  to  the  mill  f02irse//,  and  watch  the  miller 
while  he  gives  you  clean  wheat  bran. 

2d.  Have  a  kettle  of  boiling  soft  water  on  the 
stove.  Sift  with  one  hand,  stirring  briskly  all  the 
while  with  a  paddle  or  wooden  spoon,  held  in  the 
other,  until  the  mass  is  about  the  consistency  of  a 


DIETETICS.  295 

thick  gruel.     Let  this  boil  slowly  two  hours.     Place 

a  sieve  over  the  top  of  a  pan  and  pour  this  gruel  in 
it  to  drain.  When  well  drained  place  the  pan  on  the 
stove  and  allow  it  to  come  to  a  boil.  Mix  with  cold 
water  a  spoonful  or  so  of  sifted  graham  flour,  enough 
to  bring  the  boiling  gruel  to  about  the  consistency 
of  a  smooth  gravy,  or  thick  gruel. 

Dip  into  moulds — coffee  cups  are  nice  for  this-— 
and  allow  to  become  cold,  when,  if  right,  it  will  be  a 
trembling,  delicate  jelly.  Perhaps  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  experiment  a  little,  as  the  first  trial  may  not 
be  entirely  successful,  but  depend  upon  it,  the  out- 
come is  well  worth  painstaking. 

Nutrina  accompanied  with  various  sa  ces  makes  a 
welcome  dessert.  People  who  use  milk  or  cream 
would  like  nutrina  with  a  cream  sauce.  Nutrina  can 
not  be  too  highly  recommended,  for  it  suits  so  wide 
a  range  of  conditions. — Dr.  M.  Augusta  Fairchild. 

Nutrina  contains  the  phosphates  of  the  grain, 
hence  it  is  a  valuable  nerve  nutritive.  Is  especially 
excellent  for  nursing  mothers  and  children  when  first 
weaned. 

CEREALS. 

Every  table  should  be  abundantly  supplied  with 
well-cooked  cereals.  Cook  in  a  farina  or  milk  boiler. 
No  housekeeper  should  be  without  this  important 
utensil.  Do  not  soak  cereals  in  cold  water  over  night. 
AH  of  them,  even  rice,  are  far  better  to  be  put  to 
cook  in  boiling  water.  This  bursts  the  starch  cells 
at  once,  and  prevents  the  raw  taste  and  stringy,  dark 
look  these  preparations  frequently  have.  Should  not 
be  stirred  while  cooking,  as  it  breaks  the  grains  and 
makes  them  pasty. 


296  DIETETICS. 

CRACKED  OR  ROLLED  WHEAT. 
In  two  quarts  boiling  water  stir  one  pint  cracked 
wheat.  Half  tea-spoon  salt.  Use  a  farina  boiler  or 
double  kettle,  and  cook  three  hours  without  stirring. 
When  done,  mould  in  dishes.  Eat  hot  or  cold  with 
fruit  sauce  or  cream  and  sugar.  Excellent  in  consti' 
pation  or  biliousness.  The  rolled  wheat  is  preferable. 
Not  being  able  to  procure  it  ready  prepared,  one  can 
crack  wheat  in  an  ordinary  coffee  mill. 

OATMEAL    MUSH. 

Coarse  oatmeal  should  be  cooked  like  rolled  wheat. 
If  desired  warm  for  breakfast,  can  be  left  in  a  granitt 
or  porcelain  farina  boiler  over  night,  and  heated  in 
a  few  minutes.  Do  not  soak  oatmeal  over  night,  nor 
try  to  cook  it  sufficiently  in  the  morning.  It  must 
never  be  stirred  while  cooking.  Fine  oatmeal  can  be 
made  in  a  mush,  like  Indian  meal,  and  be  ready  for 
the  table  in  twenty  minutes. 

INDIAN    MEAL   MUSH. 
Take  fine  meal  of  northern  corn,  a  little  salt;  stir 
slowly  in  boiling  water  until  as  thick  as  can  be  stirred 
easily.   Stand  it  on  back  of  the  stove  and  cook  slowly 
one  hour.     Is  better  cooked  in  a  milk  boiler. 

GRAHAM   MUSH. 

Stir  graham  flour  in  boiling  water  slowly,  until  it 
makes  a  thick  batter.  Set  on  the  back  part  of  the 
stove  ten  minutes,  then  beat  two  minutes  and  turn 
into  the  dish.  To  be  eaten  with  fruit  juice  or  cream 
and  sugar. 

FARINA  MUSH. 

Stir  a  half  cup   of  farina  slowly  into  a  quart  of 


DIETETICS.  297 

boiling  water;  cook  fifteen  minutes  in  a  milk  boiler 
without  stirring;  add  one-half  cup  of  cream  justbe» 
fore  removing  from  the  fire.  Served  with  stewed 
fruit  or  fruit  sauce. 

HOMINY. 

Mix  one  cup  of  hominy  with  three  and  a  half  cups 
boiling  water,  a  little  salt.  Cook  in  farina  boiler  four 
hours.  Delicious  eaten  with  milk  with  or  without 
sugar. — Hygienic  Cookery. 

WHEATLET   MUSH. 

Use  water,  or  equal  parts  of  milk  and  water.  Salt 
to  taste.  Have  boiling,  foaming,  scalding  hot,  then 
sprinkle  into  it  from  the  hand  sufficient  wheatlet  to 
make  a  thin  pudding. 

Keep  it  boiling  hard  for  five  minutes.  Then  set  it 
back  to  cook  slowly  ten  minutes  longer. 

WHEATLET  BLANC   MANGE. 

Pour  wheatlet  mush  into  forms  and  serve  cold. 

WHEATLET   PUDDING. 

Break  up  cooked  wheatlet  with  a  fork,  add  milk 
enough  to  make  a  thin  pudding;  two  eggs,  currants 
and  raisins  to  suit.     Brown  in  a  moderate  oven. 

WHEATLET  AND  APPLE    PUDDING. 

Make  as  cracked  wheat  pudding,  (page  311). 

GRANULA. 

Take  equal  parts  of  graham  flour,  fine  oatmeal  and 
cornmeal,  mix  to  a  batter  thick  enough  to  cling  to 
the  spoon.     Bake  in  thin  cakes    in  a   quick    oven. 


298  DIETETICS. 

When  baked,  break  into  pieces  and  dry  out  thor- 
oughly in  a  slow  oven  until  crisp.  Then  roll  with 
the  rolling  pin  into  fine  crumbs.  Delicious  eaten  in 
milk.  Many  families  prepare  it  from  their  cold  gems, 
bread  and  corn  bread,  thus  finding  an  economical  use 
for  "dry  bread." 

RICE  AND  APPLE  PUDDING. 

One  quart  boiled  rice,  three  pints  tart  chopped  ap- 
ples, half  cup  sugar,  put  in  layers  in  earthen  baking 
dish,  add  half  cup  water,  and  bake  two  hours  slowly. 
Raisins,  plums  or  prunelles  can  be  used  to  flavor  if 
desired.     Serve  warm  or  cold,  with  cream. 

RICE  AND  RAISINS. 

Three  cups  boiling  water,  one  cup  sweet  milk,  one 
cup  rice,  half  cup  raisins.  Mix  well  together.  Cook 
in  steamer  or  farina  boiler.  Mould  and  eat  warm  or 
cold,  with  cream  or  fruit  sauce. 

RICE  SNOW. 

One  quart  sweet  milk,  five  tablespoonfuls  rice  flour 
or  corn  starch,  one-half  cup  sugar,  whites  of  four 
eggs.  Boil  the  milk,  stir  in  the  rice  flour  moistened, 
and  add  the  sugar.  When  cold  whip  a  little  at  a  time 
into  the  eggs,  after  they  are  well  beaten.  Mould  and 
serve  with  cream  or  fruit  sauce. 

RICE  SNOW  BALLS. 

Two  quarts  boiling  water,  one  pint  boiling  milk, 
two  cups  rice;  cook  two  hours  in  farina  boiler  with- 
out stirring.  Mould  in  small  cups,  and  serve  with 
boiled  custard  or  fruit  sauce. 


RICE  GRIDDLE  CAKES. 

Two  cups  boiled  rice,  one  cup  sweet  milk,  two 
eggs,  one  cup  sifted  flour.     Bake  slowly. 

RICE  OMELET. 

Two  cups  boiled  rice,  one  cup  sweet  milk,  two 
eggs.  Stir  together  with  egg  beater,  and  put  into  a 
hot  buttered  skillet.  Cook  slowly  ten  minutes,  stir- 
ring frequently. 

RICE  AND  BERRY  PUDDING. 

Two  cups  sweet  milk,  two  cups  cold  rice,  samp  oi 
barley;  two  cups  blueberries,  currants,  strawberries, 
seeded  cherries  or  chopped  apples;  one-third  cup 
sugar,  two  eggs — yokes  and  whites  separate.  Time, 
one  hour;  slow  oven.  Soften  the  cold  rice  (or  other 
grain)  with  the  milk,  working  out  all  the  lumps;  then 
stir  in  the  yolks  and  sugar  beaten  together,  and  also 
the  well  whipped  whites.  Add  the  fruit,  mixing  it  in 
lightly;  pour  the  batter  into  a  dish,  set  in  a  dripping 
pan  of  boiling  water,  and  bake  slowly  one  hour. 
Serve  cold  or  lukewarm,  with  or  without  a  dressing 
of  cream. — Health  in  the  Household. 

BROWNED  RICE. 

Parch  or  brown  rice  slowly;  steep  in  milk  for  two 
hours.  The  rice  or  the  milk  only  is  excellent  in 
summer  complaint. 

RICE  CREAM. 

Thicken  a  pint  of  scalding  milk  with  rice  flour  to 
the  consistency  of  cream;  sweeten  and  flavor  to  taste. 
Beat  the  whites  of  two  eggs  to  a  stiff  froth,  put  a 
half  ounce  of  gelatine  to  half  pint  of  cold  water;  wb^r 


2)00  DIETETICS. 

well  soaked,  place  over  the  fire  until  the  gelatine  is 
dissolved;  when  cool,  beat  to  a  froth  with  an  egg- 
beater;  mix  with  the  egg  and  milk. 

BOILED  RICE. 

Put  two  cups  of  rice  to  three  pints  of  boiling  water, 
half  teaspoon  salt.   Cook  in  a  farina  boiler  four  hours. 

RICE. -JAPANESE  METHOD. 

Only  enough  water  is  poured  on  the  rice  to  pre- 
vent burning.  Cover  tightly  and  set  over  a  moderate 
fire  until  nearly  done.  Remove  cover  to  allow 
moisture  to  escape.  The  rice  turns  out  a  mass  of 
snow-white  separate  kernels,  each  burst  open  like  a 
mealy  potato.- -Ify^-iem'c  Cookery. 

It  is  far  less  trouble  to  cover  the  dish  tightly  and 
cook  it  in  a  steamer. 

BREAD. 

Bread  is  the  representative  of  human  food,  because 
wheat,  of  which  it  is  made,  embraces  all  the  elements 
of  nutrition  necessary  to  build  up  and  sustain  every 
part  of  the  system,  keeping  it  -in  good  working  con- 
dition and  preserving  it  unimpaired  to  ripe  old  age. 
It  is  the  only  single  article  of  food  upon  which  man 
can  live  after  he  is  weaned,  without  danger  of  impov- 
erishing his  system. 

Bread  to  serve  the  best  purposes  of  nutrition  should 
contain  all  the  elements  of  the  grain.  White  bread 
that  holds  a  popular  place  as  an  article  of  diet,  is 
greatly  deficient  in  the  nitrates  or  muscle-feeding  ele- 
ments. The  gluten  of  the  grain,  in  which  these  are 
found,  is  removed  in  the  bran.  Besides,  fermentation 
of  flour  is  at  the  expense  of  the  gluten.     Conse- 


DIETETICS.  301 

quently  to  obtain  bread  that  contains  all  the  elements 
of  nutrition  in  the  right  proportion,  it  must  be  made 
from  the  popular  graham  or  Lockport  entire  wheat 
flour,  and  not  raised  with  yeast  or  chemicals.  If 
raised  with  yeast,  the  less  number  of  times  it  is  mixed 
the  better.  The  most  popular  unleavened  breads  are 
gems,  muffins  and  rolls. 

GRAHAM  GEMS. 

Take  three  cups  of  entire  wheat  flour  or  graham 
made  from  white  wheat,  two  cups  of  cold  water,  half 
cup  of  milk.  A  little  more  wetting  may  be  needed 
for  graham.  Omit  salt.  Heat  gem  pans  very  hot  on 
the  top  of  the  stove,  fill  them  even  full  with  the 
batter,  place  on  the  grate  of  a  very  hot  oven.  Let 
them  remain  ten  minutes,  then  bake  thirty  minutes 
on  the  bottom  of  the  oven.  The  "acorn"  gem  pans 
are  essential.  These  are  small,  round,  deep  iron  pans. 
Notice,  three  things  are  necessary  for  good  gems: 
The  best  white  wheat  flour,  very  hot  pans  and  oven, 
and  the  "acorn"  gem  pans.  No  beating  is  required. 
These  conditions  observed,  the  gems  will  be  as  light 
as  sponge  cake.  They  can  be  eaten  warm  or  cold, 
but  are  best  heated  over  in  a  quick  oven.  They  make 
excellent  toast  and  pudding.  I  was  many  years  in 
learning  to  make  good  gems  without  yeast  or  soda. 
This  receipt  never  fails,  even  with  a  "green"  cook. 

GRAHAM  MUFFINS. 

Take  one  pint  of  new  milk,  one  pint  graham  or 
entire  wheat  flour.  Stir  together  and  add  one  beaten 
^SS-  C^^  t)e  baked  in  any  kind  of  gem  pans  or  mufiin 
rings.  Salt  must  not  be  used  with  any  bread  that  is 
made  light  with  Q%'g, 


302  DIETETICS. 

UNLEAVENED  BREAD. 

Mix  entire  wheat  flour  with  ice  cold  water,  to  a 
stiff  dough;  knead  for  four  or  five  minutes;  cut  in 
small  pieces  and  roll  into  cakes  size  of  clothes-pins. 
Bake  on  wire  pan  or  toaster  in  hot  oven,  leaving 
room  to  rise.  Very  light  and  sweet.  An  addition 
of  raisins  and  hickory  nut  meats  is  much  enjoyed. — 
Mrs.  Purdy. 

OATMEAL  AND  GRAHAM  GEMS. 

Mix  equal  parts  of  graham  and  fine  Irish  oatmeal 
into  a  thick  batter,  with  equal  parts  of  milk  and. 
water,  fill  hot  gem  pans,  and  bake  with  a  brisk  heat. 
Very  sweet  and  tender. — Dr.  Holbrook. 

WHITE  FLOUR  GEMS. 

Stir  briskly  into  new  milk,  or  milk  and  water,  suffi- 
cient flour  to  make  a  batter  not  too  stiff  to  drop  from 
a  spoon — much  depends  on  the  consistency;  experi- 
ment only  will  decide.  Add  the  whites  of  two  eggs 
whipped  to  a  stiff  froth  and  beat  all  together  thor- 
oughly. A  little  cream  put  in  at  the  last  makes  the 
gems  more  tender.  Bake  in  hot  gem  pans  in  a  quick 

oven. 

BROWN  GEMS. 

Mix  with  water  equal  quantities  of  rye  and  Indian 
meal,  beat  it  to  a  cream,  perhaps  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes,  bake  in  thin  cakes  in  flat  gem  pans 

BEST  GRAHAM  BISCUITS. 

Make  as  thick  a  graham  mush  by  stirring  the  flour 
into  boiling  water,  as  is  possible,  then  take  it  from 
the  stove  to  the  moulding  board,  knead  into  it  more 


DIETETICS.  303 

graham  flour,  roll  about  an  inch  thick,  cut  into  bis- 
cuits, and  bake  in  a  hot  oven. 

LIGHT  GRAHAM  BISCUITS. 

Make  the  dough  of  graham  yeast  bread  a  trifle 
stiffer,  roll  and  cut  into  biscuits.  When  light,  bake 
thirty  minutes. 

DELICIOUS  CORN  BREAD. 

One  quart  corn  meal,  partly  scalded  with  one  pint 
boiling  water.  Add  to  this  one  pint  sweet  milk,  stir 
to  a  smooth  batter,  dip  a  large  cooking  spoonful  at  a 
time  on  your  hot  griddle  in  separate  cakes,  let  it 
stand  to  get  the  lower  crust  well  started,  then  place 
the  griddle  in  the  hot  oven,  on  the  top  grate,  and 
allow  the  baking  to  be  finished  there.  The  cake 
should  be  a  nice  brown.  About  half  an  hour's  time 
will  be  required  for  bkaing. — Dr.  M.  A.  Fairchild. 

OATMEAL  CAKE. 

Take  one  pint  of  fine  oatmeal,  and  warm  water 
enough  to  stir  up  a  batter,  like  griddle  cakes.  Pour 
it  into  a  shallow  baking  pan  or  griddle,  and  bake 
twenty  minutes  in  a  hot  oven.  Or  bake  in  small  cakes 
on  the  griddle,  first  putting  in  a  handful  of  wheat 
flour  and  a  little  more  water. 

BOSTON  BROWN  BREAD. 

Three  cups  graham  flour,  one  cup  Indian  meal,  one 
cup  molasses,  two  cups  sweet  milk,  one  cup  sour 
milk,  one  teaspoon  soda.  Steam  three  hours  and 
bake  two  hours. 

GRAHAM  BREADk 

Soak  half  a  cake  of  compressed  yeast,  stir  it  into 


304  DIETETICS. 

one  quart  warm  water  and  two  quarts  graham  flour. 
Put  into  a  deep  sheet  iron  bread  pan  which  has  been 
well  greased.  When  light  bake  one  hour  or  more. 
If  compressed  yeast  cannot  be  obtained,  use  home- 
made or  baker's  yeast.  The  dough  should  be  as  stiff 
as  can  be  stirred  with  a  spoon.  Make  bread  from 
fine  flour  of  the  entire  wheat  the  same  way,  only  a 
trifle  stiffen 

YEAST  BREAD  FROM  WHITE  FLOUR. 

Make  a  sponge  by  boiling  one  pound  of  potatoes 
in  two  quarts  of  water;  stir  up  a  pint  of  sifted  flour 
as  for  starch,  and  pour  the  boiling  water  over  it, 
adding  the  potatoes  when  well  mashed;  when  cool, 
add  a  cup  of  yeast,  or  two  ounces  dried  yeast  soaked, 
and  a  table-spoon  of  salt.  Make  this  the  day  pre- 
vious to  baking;  it  will  save  labor  to  do  it  at  the  same 
time  you  boil  potatoes  for  dinner. 

To  make  the  bread,  take  three  quarts  sifted  flour 
warmed,  and  wet  with  the  sponge,  adding  no  more 
liquid  or  salt;  knead  at  least  half  an  hour,  keeping 
the  dough  soft  and  warm;  put  it  in  the  baking  pans, 
which  are  well  greased,  and  when  it  is  light  it  is 
ready  for  the  oven.  Bake  forty  minutes.  The  dough 
must  be  soft  and  thoroughly  kneaded. 

This  method  preserves  the  gluten. 

OATMEAL  SNAPS. 

Mix  one  cup  sweet  cream  and  three  table-spoonfuls 
sugar;  add  fine  oatmeal  till  stiff;  knead  slightly;  roll 
to  the  thickness  of  an  eighth  of  an  inch;  cut  in 
shapes;  bake  crisp  in  moderate  oven. — Hygienic 
Cookery, 


DIETETICS.  305 

GRAHAM  FRUIT  CRACKERS. 

Two-thirds  cup  sweet  cream;  one  cup  dried  cur- 
rants picked  and  washed,  one-fourth  tea-spoonful 
soda,  one-half  tea-spoonful  cream  tartar.  Use  equal 
parts  graham  and  white  flour  to  make  a  very  stiff 
dough.  Roll  out  less  than  an  eighth  of  an  inch  in 
thickness.  Cover  thickly  with  the  fruit.  Lay  on 
another  sheet  of  the  dough,  pass  the  rolling  pin  over 
it.  Cut  in  shapes;  prick  deeply;  bake  in  a  moderate 
oven  thoroughly. — Hygienic  Cookery. 

GRAHAM  WAFERS. 

Take  graham  flour.  Mix  with  pure  cold  water. 
No  salt.  Knead  thoroughly  fifteen  minutes;  roll  very 
thin,  about  half  as  thick  as  soda  crackers;  cut  in  two 
inch  squares  and  bake  quickly.  These  will  keep  for 
months  in  a  dry  place.  It  makes  them  crisp  to  place 
them  in  the  oven  a  few  minutes  before  bringing  them 
to  the  table.  Better  if  made  by  a  baker,  using  the 
cracker  machine.  These  are  the  best  dyspeptic  bread 
made,  and  are  soon  relished  by  all  who  eat  them. 

GRAHAM  CRACKERS. 

Take  one  part  cream  to  four  parts  milk^  mix  with 
flour,  as  soft  as  can  be  handled;  knead  twenty  min- 
utes; roll  very  thin;  cut  square  or  round,  and  bake 
quickly  twenty  minutes.  Handle  carefully  while  hot; 
pack  away  when  cool  in  a  stone  jar. 

RICE  MUFFINS. 

One  cup  of  boiled  rice,  two  eggs,  two  cups  of 
sweet  milk,  two  cups  of  flour.  Beat  well.  Bake  in 
gem  pans  or  muffin  rings. 


306  DIETETICS. 

BUCKWHEAT  CAKES. 

One  quart  of  warm  water,  one  quart  of  buckwheat 
flour,  a  cup  of  bread  sponge,  one  tea-spoon  salt. 
Make  over  night,  or  will  rise  in  three  or  four  hours 
in  the  daytime.  Some  batter  being  left  will  raise 
cakes  the  following  day. 

Buckwheat  contains  a  large  proportion  of  gluten, 
and  is  very  desirable  for  batter  cakes.  It  has  been 
brought  into  disrepute  for  two  reasons:  First,  suffi- 
cient pains  has  not  been  taken  to  cleanse  out  the 
smut  of  the  grain,  which  is  poisonous,  producing 
eruptions,  etc.  Second,  too  much  butter  and  syrup 
are  consumed  with  the  cakes,  supplying  to  the  sys- 
tem a  superabundance  of  carbon.  Substitute  honey 
or  fruit  sauce  to  make  the  cakes  relish. 

WHEATLET  CAKES. 

Make  like  buckwheat  cakes.  These  are  delicious, 
and  are  destined  to  become  very  popular. 

GRIDDLE  CAKES  FROM  "SHORTS." 

Shorts,  or  middlings,  are  obtained  in  grinding 
wheat,  between  the  fine  flour  and  bran.  These  are 
rich  in  gluten,  and,  prepared  in  the  same  way,  make 
cakes  equal  to  buckwheat.  Not  being  able  to  pro- 
cure "shorts,"  use  graham,  wheatlet,  or  entire  wheat 
flour. 

RICE  GRIDDLE  CAKES. 

One  cup  boiled  rice,  one  egg,  one  cup  sweet  milk, 
one  cup  water,  two  cups  of  white  flour,  entire  wheat 
flour  or  **  shorts." 

CORN  GRIDDLE  CAKES. 

Pour  boiling  water  on  a  pint  of  corn  meal  to  make 


DIETETICS.  307 

a  stiff  batter;  let  it  stand  over  night.  In  the  morn- 
ing add  one  cup  of  graham  flour  and  one  cup  of 
sweet  milk.  If  not  light,  add  a  tea-spoon  of  baking 
powder;  except  in  cold  weather,  the  corn  will  fer- 
ment sufficiently  to  make  it  light.  Can  be  baked  in 
gem  pans  if  preferred. 

BREAKFAST  PATTIES. 

Make  a  thick  gruel  of  equal  parts  of  graham  ana 
corn  meal.  Let  it  stand  over  night.  Add  sifted 
graham  flour,  or  flour  of  the  entire  wheat,  until  the 
batter  is  thicker  than  for  batter  cakes.  Bake  as  grid- 
dle cakes,  giving  them  plenty  of  time.  If  just  right, 
most  delicious  breakfast  cakes. 

MILK  TOAST. 

Heat  six  slices  of  graham  or  entire  wheat  bread  in 
the  oven;  toast  an  even  brown  over  coals.  Boil  one 
pint  of  milk  and  half  a  cup  of  cream.  Thicken  with 
one  tea-spoon  corn-starch ;  half  a  tea-spoon  salt.  Pour 
over  the  toast  and  serve  hot. 

GEM  TOAST. 

Split  graham  gems,  toast  the  same  as  the  bread, 
and  cover  with  the  same  dressing.  This  is  the  best 
toast  made.     Is  not  harmed  by  standing. 

OYSTER  TOAST. 

Pour  stewed  oysters  over  graham  gems  or  bread 
toasted.     An  excellent  breakfast  dish. 

CODFISH  TOAST. 

Toast  graham  bread  or  gems;  lay  upon  a  platter 
and  cover  with  codfish  prepared  in  milk. 
20  -' 


306  DIETETICS. 

TOMATO  TOAST. 

Stew  one  quart  tomatoes;  seasor.  with  one  table- 
spoon su?ar  and  half  a  teaspoon  salt;  pour  over 
graham  bread  or  gems  to"*sted. 

EGGS  ON  TOAST. 

Soften  brown  bread  toast  with  ho.  water,  put  on  a 
platter  and  cover  with  poached  or  scrambled  eggs. 

ASPARAGUS  ON  TOASl. 

Cut  the  green  of  one  pound  of  asparagus  in  one 
pint  hot  water.  Stew  thirty  minujes;  add  half  a  cup 
of  cream,  a  little  salt,  turn  over  graham  toast. 

RHUBARB  TOAST. 

Take  one  pint  water,  half  a  cup  of  sugar;  when 
boiling,  put  in  two  pounds  rhubarb  cut  in  small 
pieces.  Stew  until  done;  when  cold,  pour  over  a 
platter  of  hot  toasted  graham  bread,  having  a  little 
butter  upon  it.  This  is  an  excellent  breakfast  dish, 
and  as  the  toast  absorbs  the  peculiar  rhubarb  flavor, 
can  be  eaten  by  those  who  usually  dislike  it. 

Gooseberries,  tart  apples,  peaches  and  other  acid 
fruits  can  be  prepared  in  the  same  way. 

Note. — Never  use  white  bread  for  toast  when 
bread  of  the  unbolted  or  entire  wheat  flour  can  be 
had.  The  latter  never  becomes  doughy,  and  is  much 
better  flavored,  besides  being  more  nutritious. 

EGGS  AS  FOOD. 

Eggs,  at  average  prices,  are  among  the  cheapest 
and  most  nutritious  articles  of  diet.  Like  milk,  an 
egg  is  a  complete  food  in  itself,  as  is  manifested  from 
the  fact  that  from  it  a  chick  draws  all  the  nourish- 


DIETETICS.  309 

ment  needed  in  its  development.  This  is  one  of  the 
mysteries  of  nature  that  the  yolk  and  white  of  an  egg 
can  contain  elements  capable  of  producing  so  many 
and  such  varied  parts  as  constitute  a  living  fowl.  An 
egg  is  easily  digested  if  not  damaged  in  cooking.  In- 
deed, there  is  no  more  concentrated  and  nourishing 
food  than  eggs.  The  albumen,  oil  and  saline  matter 
are,  as  in  milk,  in  the  right  proportion  for  sustaining 
animal  life.  Two  or  three  boiled  eggs,  with  the  addi- 
tion of  a  slice  or  two  of  toast,  will  make  a  breakfast 
sufficient  for  x  man  and  good  enough  for  a  king. 

BOILED  EGGS. 

An  egg  should  never  be  boiled.  Immersed  in  boil- 
ing water  for  a  few  moments  the  white  part  coagu- 
lates and  becomes  hard,  and  more  or  less  indigestible. 
If  cooked  at  a  temperature  of  165°  for  fifteen  or 
twenty  minutes  the  white  part  coagulates  into  a  ten- 
der, delicate,  jelly-like  substance,  which  is  not  only 
very  digestible  but  delicious,  while  at  the  same  time 
the  yolk  becomes  sufficiently  hard.  If  placed  in 
boHing  water  and  set  back  for  ten  minutes  it  will 
cook  to  perfection.  A  little  experience  will  enable 
%x\y  one  to  do  it  successfully. 

POACHED  EGGS. 

In  a  skillet  of  salted  boiling  water,  place  muffin 
rings.  Drop  the  egg  in  them  and  let  them  stand  ten 
minutes  without  boiling.  Remove  the  rings,  and  the 
eggs  will  be  nicely  moulded  and  evenly  cooked. 

EGGS  POACHED  IN  MILK. 

Take  one  cup  of  milk,  half  a  cup  of  water,  when 
boiling  break  in  six  eggs.   Cook  slawlyand  serve  on 


3IO  DIETETICS. 

toast.  A  lady  told  me  she  cured  herself  of  nervous 
headaches  by  eating  an  egg  every  morning  cooked 
in  this  way.  The  milk  prevents  the  poisonous  effect 
of  the  sulphur  in  the  egg,  and  the  nerves  get  decided 

nutriment. 

SCRAMBLED   EGGS. 

Beat  six  eggs  and  one  cup  of  milk  together.  Cook 
in  a  buttered  skillet,  stirring  occasionally.  Take  up 
before  it  is  quite  thickened. 

STEAMED  EGGS. 
Break  into  egg  cups  and  steam  ten  mi  nutes. 

BAKED  EGGS. 
Put  unbroken  eggs  in  one  dripping  pan  and  covei 
with  another  the  same  size;  bake  in  a  quick  oven 
twenty  minutes. 

EGG  OMELET. 

Beat  the  whites  of  six  eggs  separately.  Beat  the 
yolks  with  three  table-spoons  of  milk  and  one  table^ 
spoon  of  flour;  stir  the  whites  in  lightly.  Cook  in  ? 
hot  buttered  skillet.  When  the  edge  is  cooked,  turn 
over  carefully.  In  two  minutes  more,  double  to- 
gether on  a  hot  platter.     Use  no  salt. 

ESCALLOPED  EGGS. 

Cut   light   bread   in   pieces   about    three    inchesi 

square  and  one  and  a  half  inches  thick;  dip  in  milk, 

then  scoop  out  about  two-thirds  of  the  center.     Fill 

with  egg  prepared  as  for  omelet,  and  bake  in  a  quick 

oven. 

RAW  OYSTERS. 

It  is  an  old  theory  that  a  raw  oyster  digests  itself. 
This  is  owing  to  the  diastase  or  glycogen  in  the  liver. 


DIETETICS.  311 

A  fat  ojrster  is  half  liver.  Cooking  destroys  this 
diastase.  So  also  much  vinegar  and  condiments  make 
it  slow  to  assimilate.  Alcohol  also  destroys  the 
diastase.  Valuable  in  nervous  dyspepsia,  and  conse- 
quently useful  in  the  early  months  of  pregnancy. 

STEWED  OYSTERS. 

Take  one  pint  of  milk,  one  cup  of  water,  a  tea-spoon 
of  salt;  when  boiling,  put  in  one  pint  of  bulk  oysters. 
Stir  occasionally  and  remove  from  the  stove  before  it 
boils.  An  oyster  should  not  be  shriveled  in  cooking. 

BROILED  OYSTERS. 

Put  large  oysters  on  a  wire  toaster.  Hold  over 
hot  coals  until  heated  through.  Serve  on  toast  moist- 
ened with  cream.    Very  grateful  in  convalescence. 

GRAHAM  GEM   PUDDING. 

Take  six  cold  gems,  baked  the  day  before,  break 
into  small  pieces  and  pour  over  them  a  pint  of  hot 
water  and  half  cup  of  sugar;  stir  in  six  large  tart  ap- 
ples, cut  in  thin  slices.  Bake  two  hours.  Other  fruits 
are  sometimes  used. 

CRACKED  WHEAT  PUDDING. 

In  a  deep  two-quart  pudding  dish  put  layers  of  cold, 
cooked  cracked  wheat,  and  tart  apples  sliced  thin, 
with  four  table-spoons  sugar.  Raisins  can  be  added 
if  preferred.  Fill  the  dish,  having  the  wheat  last,  add 
cup  of  cold  water.     Bake  Vjco  hours. 

FARINA  BLANC-MANGE. 

Stir  into  a  quart  of  boiling  milk  farina  enough  to 
make  a  thin  pudding,  then  set  away  to  cool.  Before 


312  DIETETICS 

the  farina  is  quite  cold,  stir  in  the  yolk  of  one  egg 
and  a  little  sugar,  then  add  the  whites  of  two  eggs 
whipped  to  a  stiff  froth  and  beat  thoroughly.  It  is 
more  creamy  if  not  made  too  thick  with  farina.  Serve 
cold  with  fruit  or  jelly. 

RICE  PUDDING. 

One  quart  new  milk,  two  table-spoons  rice,  two 
table  spoons  sugar,  pinch  of  salt,  one  tea-spoon  lemon 
extract,  or  if  preferable,  half  cup  of  raisins.  Bake 
three  hours  in  a  moderate  oven.   , 

For  summer  it  is  delicious  cold.  Better  made  in 
a  large  quantity. 

APPLE  TAPIOCA  PUDDING. 

Soak  a  tea-cup  of  tapioca  in  a  quart  of  warm  water 
three  hours.  Cut  in  thin  slices  six  tart  apples,  stir 
them  lightly  with  the  tapioca,  add  half  cup  sugar. 
Bake  three  hours.  To  be  eaten  with  whipped  cream. 
Good  either  warm  or  cold. 

INDIAN  FRUIT  PUDDING. 
One  pint  cornmeal  mush  made  with  water.     Add 
one  pint  stewed  dried  apples,  peaches  or  prunes,  one 
half  pint  water,  one  cup  sugar.   Stir  ingredients  well 
together.     Bake  five  hours. 

ORANGE  PUDDING. 

Pare  and  slice  five  large  oranges,  removing  seeds. 
Lay  in  a  deep  dish  and  sprinkle  with  half  cup  sugar; 
let  them  stand  two  hours.  Make  a  custard  of  one 
pint  milk,  yolks  of  three  eggs,  two  table-spoons  corn- 
starch. When  cool,  pour  over  oranges.  Beat  the 
whites  with  two  table-spoons  of  powdered  sugar  and 
place  on  the  top;  brown  quickly  in  the  oven. 


DIETETICS.  313 

CORN  MUSH  PUDDING. 

One  quart  milk,  one  pint  corn  mush  (page  296), 
two-thirds  cup  molasses,  one  tea-spoon  cinnamon. 
Bake  four  hours. 

BAKED  INDIAN  PUDDING. 

Boil  one  quar::  of  milk,  stir  in  seven  table-spoons 
meaL  T'^ace  from  the  stove,  add  one  quart  cold  milk, 
one  cup  molasses,  one  tea-spoon  ground  mace.  Bake 
in  an  earthen  pudding  dish  five  hours.  Double  the 
recipe  makes  a  better  pudding,  and  it  is  good  cold. 

mother's  apple  pudding. 

One  pint  rolled  bread  crux.bs;  two  pints  of  tart  ap- 
ples, chopped;  one  cup  seedless  raisins,  half  a  cup 
sugar.  Place  in  layers  in  an  earthen  pudding  dish; 
add  one  cup  water;  bake  slowly  two  hours.  Re- 
quires no  sauce.  Peaches,  cherries,  plums,  etc.,  can 
be  used  in  place  of  apples,  and  also  stewed  dried 
fruits. 

HUCKLEBERRY  BREAD  PUDDING. 

Heat  one  c;  jart  milk  and  pour  it  over  one  pint  dry 
graham  bread  crumbs;  cool  add  two  beaten  yolks, 
three  table-spoons  sugar,  two  well-whipped  whites. 
Stir  in  one  pint  huckleberries,  dredged  with  flour, 
bake  in  a  pudding  dish,  set  in  a  pan  of  boiling  water 
forty  or  fifty  minutes. — Hygienic  Cookery. 

PLUM  PUDDING. 

One  cup  seedless  raisins,  one  cup  currants,  one 
quart  chopped  apples,  one  cup  sugar,  one  cup  eraham 
flour  mixed  in  a  pint  of  water.  Mix  all  together,  and 
bake  five  or  six  hours. 


314  DIETETICS. 

STRAWBERRY   DESSERT. 

Place  alternate  layers  of  hot  cooked  cracked  wheat 
and  strawberries  in  a  deep  dish;  when  cold,  turnout 
on  platter;  cut  in  slices  and  serve  with  cream  and 
sugar,  or  strawberry  juice.  Wet  the  moulds  with 
cold  water  before  using.  This,  moulded  in  small 
cups,  makes  a  dainty  dish  for  the  sick.  Wheatlet 
can  be  used  in  the  same  way. 

PIES. 

A  very  palatable  pie  crust  can  be  made  of  sweet 
cream  and  graham  or  entire  wheat  flour.  Should  be 
worked  soft,  made  thin,  and  baked  in  a  hot  oven. 
Eaten  the  day  it  is  baked.  In  a  dietetic  point  of  view 
there  is  little  objection  to  this  crust.  Any  acid  fruit 
can  be  used  for  the  filling.  A  crust  of  fine  flour  and 
lard  does  not  make  suitable  nutriment  for  sick  or  well. 

PIE  FOR  DYSPEPTICS. 

Four  table-spoons  of  oatmeal,  one  pint  of  water;  let 
stand  for  a  few  hours,  or  till  the  meal  is  swelled. 
Then  add  two  large  apples,  pared  and  sliced,  a  little 
salt,  one  cup  of  sugar,  one  table-spoon  flour.  Mix  all 
well  together  and  bake  in  a  buttered  dish;  makes  a 
most  delicious  pie,  which  can  be  eaten  with  safety 
by  the  sick  or  well. — Dr,  Holbrook. 

STRAWBERRY  PIE. 

Place  the  under  crust  upon  a  deep  plate,  and  the 
upper  one— cut  just  the  right  size — on  a  flat  tin  or 
sheet  iron;  prick  to  prevent  blistering,  and  bake.  Fill 
the  deep  crust  while  hot  with  strav/berries,  and  cover 
with  the  flat  crust.    If  the  fruit  is  rather  hard,  re^ 


DIETETICS.  315 

place  in  the  oven  till  heated;  if  quite  ripe,  the  crust 
will  steam  sufficiently. 

Raspberry  and  blackberry  pie  can  be  made  in  the 
same  way.  The  flavor  of  these  delicious  berries, 
when  quite  ripe,  is  greatly  impaired  by  cooking;  they 
are  also  changed  to  a  mass  of  little  else  than  seeds 
and  juice. — Mrs.  Cox's  Hygiene  Cook  Book. 

APPLE  PIE  CAKE. 

Of  flour  of  the  entire  wheat  and  cold  water,  make 
a  batter  soft  enough  to  level  itself.  If  shortening  is 
desired,  use  sweet  cream.  Fill  a  deep  pie-platter  a 
third  full  of  the  batter,  sprinkle  over  a  little  sugar. 
Wash,  quarter  and  core  tart  apples  and  place  as  many 
in  the  batter  (skin  side  up)  as  it  will  hold.  Press 
down  and  level  with  a  spoon.  Over  the  top  sprinkle 
sugar  and  bake  till  brown.  — Dr.  Holbrook. 

CAKE. 

Cake  is  hardly  considered  a  dietic  food.  A  few- 
recipes,  however,  are  given  that  experience  has 
proved  good,  and  may  be  eaten  by  convalescents  or 
invalids  at  the  seaside  or  in  the  mountains. 

STRAWBERRY   SHORT-CAKE. 

Bake  a  short-cake  in  three  thin  layers.  Then  put 
strawberries  between,  having  them  mashed  and 
sweetened,  and  on  the  top  layer  and  all  about  the 
side  of  a  dish,  put  your  finest  large  berries.  This 
needs  no  sauce. 

We  also  make  a  simple  pudding,  which  is  well 
cooked  cracked  wheat,  with  the  whole  berries 
stirred   in  when  done,  and  put  in  moulds.     To  be 


3r6  DIETETICS. 

eaten  cold.  Rice  and  corn  mushes  may  be  treated 
in  the  same  way. 

But  best  of  all,  is  strawberries  and  plain  unleav- 
ened bread.  This  exceeds  in  wholesomeness,  and 
really  in  gustatory  delight,  all  the  ways  that  man  has 
invented  to  punish  strawberries. — Dr.  Fairchild. 

The  short-cake  should  be  make  of  cream  and 
graham  or  entire  wheat  flour. 

GRAHAM   CAKE. 

One  cup  sugar,  two  eggs,  half  a  cup  sweet  cream, 
one  cup  of  flour,  one  tea-spoon  of  baking  powder. 
Bake  in  a  deep  tin.  Adding  currants  and  chopped 
raisins  and  baking  in  small  cake  tins  makes  a  nice 
children's  cake. 

EUREKA  SPONGE   CAKE. 

Four  eggs  beaten  with  one  and  a  half  cups  of 
sugar,  two  cups  of  sifted  flour,  baking  powder  and 
lemon  extract,  each  one  tea-spoon.  Beat  thoroughly 
together,  and  add  three-fourths  cup  of  boiling  water. 
Is  very  thin,  but  makes  a  delicious  and  wholesome 
cake.  It  is  good  made  from  white  or  graham  flour. 
Makes  a  nice  layer  cake  by  baking  it  in  jelly  tins. 

CORALINE   CAKE. 

Half  a  cup  of  sweet  milk,  half  a  cup  of  rich  cream, 
one  cup  of  sugar,  one  ^^^,  two  cups  graham  or 
entire  wheat  flour,  one  tea-spoon  baking  powder. 
Bake  in  two  pie  tins.  When  done  split  open  with  a 
sharp  knife,  and  fill  in  with  raspberry  or  strawberry 
juice  that  has  been  thickened  with  corn  starch  or 
gelatine.  By  using  boiled  custard  for  filling,  it  will 
make  what  cooks  call  a  French  pie. 


DIETETICS.  317 

GRAHAM  FRUIT  ROLL. 

To  two  and  a  half  cups  sifted  graham  flour  add 
three  cups  sifted  white  flour.  Mix  with  two  cups 
sweet  cream,  one  teaspoon  soda  and  two  of  cream 
tartar.  Roll  the  dough  into  two  oblong  sheets  about 
a  quarter  of  an  inch  thick.  Put  layers  of  fruit 
between  and  on  them,  using  one  cup  each  of  chopped 
raisins  and  dried  currants.  Roll  closely,  pinching 
the  ends  firmly  together  to  secure  the  fruit.  Bake 
in  a  moderate  oven  one  hour. — Hygienic  Cookery. 

HUCKLEBERRY  CAKE. 

Beat  together  one-half  cup  butter  and  two  of 
sugar.  Then  add  one  cup  of  sweet  milk,  three  of  flour 
and  four  e^s.  One  tea-spoon  of  soda  dissolved  in 
a  little  hot  water.    Add  last  one  quart  ripe  berries. 

FRUIT  SAUCE. 

Boil  the  juice  of  any  acid  fruit,  adding  an  equal 
part  of  water.  To  one  pint  put  one  table-spoon  of 
sugar  and  one  tea-spoon  corn  starch.  This  makes  a 
clear  juice  about  the  consistence  of  syrup,  and  is  very 
desirable  to  eat  with  wheat,  mush,  gems,  griddle 
cakes  and  plain  puddings.  Jellies  and  jams  can  be 
made  into  fruit  sauce  by  adding  four  parts  of  water, 
and  thickening.  Will  not  require  sugar.  These  are 
valuable  sauces  for  invalids  and  children.  Once 
learning  how  delicious  they  are,  persons  in  health 
will  demand  them.  In  many  of  the  small  fruits  the 
seeds  are  very  objectionable.  This  method  of  using 
the  fruits  obviates  that. 

PEACHES  A  LA  STRAWBERRY. 

Ripe  peaches  cut  in  small  pieces,  with  soft,  mild 


3l8  DIETETICS. 

eating  apples  in  the  proportion  of  three  peaches  to 
one  apple,  mixed  with  sugar,  and  left  to  stand  two 
or  three  hours,  makes  excellent  mock  strawberries. 
Kansas  Home  Cook  Book. 

BAKED  APPLES. 

Pare  tart  apples;  core  with  a  corer  or  small  knife 
Place  them  in  pans  and  fill  cavities  with  sugar. 
Bake  in  a  slow  oven  until  tender.  If  sweet  apples 
are  used,  it  is  better  not  to  pare;  sugar  not  needed. 

APPLE  SNOW. 

Take  apples,  not  very  sweet  ones,  and  bake  till  soft 
and  brown.  Then  remove  the  skins  and  cores;  when 
cool,  beat  them  smooth  and  fine;  add  half  cup  of 
granulated  sugar  and  the  white  of  one  ^Z^.  Beat 
till  the  mixture  will  hold  on  your  spoon.  Serve 
with  soft  custard. —  V.  Mills. 

BAKED   PEARS. 

Take  a  stone  jar,  and  fill  it  with  alternate  layers  of 
pears  (without  paring)  and  a  little  sugar,  until  the 
jar  is  full,  then  pour  in  as  much  water  as  the  jar  will 
hold.  Bake  in  a  moderate  oven  three  hours. — Kansas 
Home  Cook  Book. 

BAKED   PIE-PLANT. 

Cut  two  pcninds  of  pie-plant  into  a  pudding  dish, 
sprinkle  over  it  half  a  cup  of  sugar  and  half  a  cup  of 
rolled  bread  crumbs  or  granula.  Add  water  until 
the  pie-plant  is  two-thirds  covered.  Bake  in  a  quick 
oven,  thirty  or  forty  minutes.  This  method  of  pre- 
paring pie-plant  removes  the  medicinal  taste,  and 
makes  an  acceptable  spring  dish. 


DIETETICS.  319 

FRUIT  BLANC-MANGE. 

One  quart  of  juice  of  strawberries,  cherries,  grapes 
or  other  juicy  fruit;  one  cup  water.  When  boiling,  add 
two  table-spoonfuls  sugar,  and  four  table-spoonfuls 
corn-starch  wet  in  cold  water;  let  boil  five  or  six 
minutes,  then  mould  in  small  cups.  Serve  without 
sauce,  or  with  cream  or  boiled  custard.  Lemon  juice 
can  be  used  the  same,  only  requiring  more  water. 
This  is  a  very  valuable  dish  for  convalescents  and 
pregnant  women,where  the  stomach  rejects  solid  food. 

FRUIT   ICE. 

Apples,  pears,  quinces,  or  any  fruit  grated  fine, 
sweetened  to  taste,  and  frozen  is  delicious.  May  be 
taken  where  there  is  fever  or  inflammation. 

GRAVY  FOR   CHILDREN. 

Stir  a  heaping  table-spoon  of  whole  wheat  flour 
smoothly  in  half  cup  cold  milk.  When  a  pint  of  milk 
boils,  stir  the  above  in  slowly;  add  a  half  tea-spoon 
salt.  To  prevent  burning,  melt  a  little  butter  in  the 
spider  before  pouring  in  the  milk.  It  is  more  nutri- 
tious and  wholesome  than  meat  gravy. 

MACARONI,   STEWED. 

Cover  half  pound  of  macaroni  with  plenty  of  boil- 
ing water  and  stew  slowly  two  hours,  without  stir- 
ring.   Before  taking  up,  season  with  salt  and  cream. 

MACARONI,   BAKED. 

Break  in  small  pieces  half  a  pound  of  macaroni; 
mix  with  a  half  cup  shavings  of  cheese  and  a  half 
tea-spoon  salt.  Put  into  a  baking  dish,  cover  with 
boiling  milk  or  water,  and  bake  two  hours  in  a  mod- 


320  DliSTETICS. 

erate  oven.     If  cheese   is   not  relished,  use  bread- 
crumbs and  cream  instead. 

CRACKER  OMELET. 

Break  one  quart  of  oyster  crackers  in  small  pieces; 
pour  over  them  one  pint  of  hot  milk,  with  half  tea- 
spoon salt.  Stir  in  three  eggs  well  beaten  and  put 
into  a  hot  buttered  skillet.  Cook  slowly  ten  minutes, 
stirring  frequently. 

TOMATOES  WITH  CORN. 

Cook  the  tomatoes  half  an  hour;  then  add  one-third 
as  much  green  corn,  cut  from  the  ear.  Stew  slowly 
for  half  an  hour,  stirring  occasionally. — Hygienic 
Cookery. 

SCALLOPED  TOMATOES. 

Place  in  a  pudding  dish  alternate  layers  of  toma- 
toes and  bread  crumbs,  or  thin  slices  of  toast,  letting 
the  topmost  layer  be  tomatoes.  Add  a  little  salt. 
Bake  slowly,  covered  an  hour  or  more;  uncovc/  and 
brown  ten  minutes. 


A  FAMILIAR  LETTER 

TO  THE  READER  FROM  THE  AUTHOR. 


In  presenting  a  revised  edition  of  Tokology,  the 
author  takes  the  liberty  of  responding  to  inquiries 
upon  different  subjects  of  vital  importance, 

"Can  a  law  be  given  for  regulating  the  sex  of  off- 
spring?" This  is  a  subject  which  has  elicited  much 
study  and  discussion  among  physiologists.  Various 
theories  have  received  the  support  of  investigators. 

Dr.  Sixt,  a  German  physician,  asserts  that  the  right 
testicle  and  the  right  ovary  secrete  the  male  princi- 
ple, and  the  left  the  female,  and  that  in  coition  the 
sperm  is  injected  from  one  testicle  only  He  claims 
that  experiments  upon  animals  prove  his  theory;  that 
whenever  the  left  testicle  is  removed,  the  animal 
begets  males  only,  and  when  the  right  one  is  want- 
ing, females. 

Mrs.  Duffey,  in  mentioning  this  theory,  very 
shrewdly  adds:  "He  does  not,  however,  tell  us  what 
would  be  the  result  if  tne  germ  and  the  sperm  should 
proceed,  the  one  from  the  right  ovary  and  the  other 
from  the  left  testicle." 

The  fact  also  remains  that  a  man  who  has  been 
deprived  of  one  testicle  has  become  the  father  of 
children  of  both  sexes.  Also,  that  a  woman  having 
lost  one  ovary  has  conceived  and  brought  forth  both 
sons  and  daughters. 

(321) 


322  AUTHOR*S  BELIEF. 

Prof.  Thury,  of  Geneva,  gives  the  following  the- 
ory: That  if  impregnation  takes  place  immediately 
or  very  soon  after  menstruation,  the  child  will  be  a 
female;  but  if  not  till  some  days  later,  the  child  will 
be  a  male. 

This  theory  is  pretty  generally  depended  upon  by 
stock  breeders,  who  claim  that  early  union  after  heat 
produces  y£';««/(fj,  while  the /a^^  produces  males.  Yet 
Darwin  affirms  that  the  results  of  experiments  have 
gone  far  to  disprove  Thury's  theory. 

Girou,  a  French  scientist,  as  well  as  some  French 
and  German  physiologists,  claims  that  experiments 
show  that  if  the  male  is  older  and  stronger  than  the 
female,  the  offspring  will  be  more  largely  males,  and 
vice  versa. 

Samuel  Hougk  Terry  gives  as  a  tested  and  proved 
theory  that  if  the  wife  is  in  a  higher  state  of  sexual 
vigor  and  excitement  at  the  time  of  conception,  boys 
will  be  conceived;  but  if  the  reverse  is  true,  girls 
will  be  the  result. 

A  study  of  these  various  theories  confirms  our 
doubts  as  to  whether  the  true  law  has  as  yet  been 
discovered.  If,  as  I  believe,  sex  is  in  the  soul,  then 
the  sex  of  offspring  must  be  determined  by  a  law  of 
the  soul.  So  far  human  knowledge  has  not  arrived 
in  its  investigations  at  sufficient  data  for  understand- 
ing that  law. 

The  probabilities  are  that  it  will  eventually  be 
proven  that  the  parent  whose  mental  forces  previous 
to,  and  at  the  time  of  conception,  are  most  active 
and  vigorous,  controls  the  sex  of  the  child. 

Facts  proving  any  of  the  above  theories  are 
solicited. 


LIMITING  OFFSPRING.  323 

The  desirability  and  practicability  of  limiting  off- 
spring are  the  subject  of  frequent  inquiry.  Fewer 
and  better  children  are  desired  by  right  minded  pa- 
rents. Many  men  and  women,  wise  in  other  things 
of  the  world,  permit  generation  as  a  chance  result  of 
copulation,  without  thought  of  physical  or  mental 
conditions  to  be  transmitted  to  the  child.  Coition, 
the  one  important  act  of  all  others,  carrying  with  it 
the  most  vital  results,  is  usual'/  committed  for  selfish 
gratification.  Many  a  drunkard  owes  his  life-long 
appetite  for  alcohol  to  the  fact  that  the  inception  of 
his  life  could  be  traced  to  a  night  of  dissipation  on 
the  part  of  his  father.  Physical  degeneracy  and 
mental  derangements  are  too  often  caused  hy  the 
parents  producing  offspring  while  laboring  under 
great  mental  strain  or  bodily  fatigue.  Drunkenness 
and  licentiousness  are  frequently  the  heritage  of 
posterity. 

Future  generations  demand  that  such  results  be 
averted  by  better  pre-natal  influences.  The  v/orld 
is  groaning  under  the  curse  of  chance  parerthood. 
It  is  due  to  posterity  that  procreation  be  brought 
under  the  control  of  reason  and  conscience. 

It  has  been  feared  that  a  knowledge  of  means  to 
prevent  conception  would,  if  generally  diffused,  be 
abused  by  women;  that  they  would  to  so  great  an 
extent  escape  motherhood,  as  to  bring  about  social 
disaster. 

This  fear  is  not  well  founded.  The  maternal  in- 
stinct is  inherent  and  sovereign  in  woman.  Even 
the  pre-natal  influences  of  a  murderous  intent  on  the 
part  of  parents  scarcely  ever  eradicate  it. 

With  this  natural  desire  for  children,  we  believe 

21 


324  MATERNAL   INSTINCT. 

few  women  would  abuse  the  knowledge  or  privilege 
of  controlling  conception.  Although  women  shrink 
from  forced  maternity,  and  from  the  bearing  of  chil- 
dren under  the  great  burden  of  suffering,  as  well  as 
other  adverse  conditions,  it  is  rare  to  find  a  woman 
who  is  not  greatly  disappointed  if  she  does  not,  some 
time  in  her  life,  wear  the  crown  of  motherhood. 

An  eminent  lady  teacher,  in  talking  to  her  pupils, 
once  said:  "The  greatest  calamity  that  can  befall  a 
woman  is  never  to  have  a  child.  The  next  greatest 
calamity  is  to»  have  one  only."  From  my  profes- 
sional experience  I  am  happy  to  testify  that  more 
women  seek  to  overcome  causes  of  sterility  than  to 
obtain  knowledge  of  limiting  the  size  of  the  family, 
or  means  to  destroy  the  embyro.  Also,  if  consulta- 
tion for  the  latter  purpose  is  sought,  it  is  usually  at 
the  instigation  of  the  husband. 

Believing  in  the  rights  of  unborn  children,  and  in 
the  maternal  instinct,  I  am  consequently  convinced 
that  no  knowledge  should  be  withheld  that  will  se- 
cure proper  conditions  for  the  best  parenthood. 

Many  of  our  advanced  physiologists  and  philan- 
thropists teach  that  the  law  of  continence  should  be 
the  law  to  govern  married  people  in  the  sexual  rela- 
tion. (See  page  157.)  However,  if  a  woman  is  not 
convinced  of  the  truth  of  this  theory,  or  Is  practically 
unable  to  accord  her  life  to  it,  we  would  suggest  to 
her  the  study  of  the  physiological  laws  of  ovulation. 

Conception  can  take  place  any  time  after  ovulation 
until  the  ovum  passes  from  the  uterus.  The  time  of 
viability  is  from  two  to  fourteen  days.  The  balance 
of  the  month  conception  cannot  ordinarily  take 
place. 


THEORY  OF  OVULATION.  325 

Sterile  women  desiring  offspring  should  seek  sex- 
ual union  soon  after  the  appearance  of  the  menses. 
Those  not  desiring  offspring  should  avoid  copulation 
until  the  ovum  has  passed  the  generative  tract. 

Married  people,  in  normal  health,  temperate  in 
the  sexual  relation,  desirous  of  controlling  the  size 
of  their  family,  can  usually  depend  upon  this  law. 

Can  conception  possibly  take  place  after  sufficient 
time  has  elapsed  for  the  ovum  to  have  left  the 
uterus.?  Dr.  Cowan  says:  "Sexual  excitement  has- 
tens the  premature  ripening  and  meeting  of  the 
germ-cell  with  the  sperm-cell,  and  impregnation  may 
result,  although  intercourse  occurs  only  in  the  spec- 
ified two  weeks'  absence  of  the  egg  from  the  uterus." 

Possibly  this  may  be  the  case  under  some  circum- 
stances, such  as  diseased  conditions,  or  after  long 
separation  of  husband  and  wife.  It  is,  however,  of 
rare  occurrence,  where  one's  life  is  governed  by 
moderation,  and  the  act  is  mutual. 

Many  of  the  means  used  to  prevent  conception  are 
injurious,  and  often  lay  the  foundation  for  a  train  of 
physical  ailments.  Probably  no  one  means  is  more 
serious  in  its  results  than  the  practice  of  withdrawal, 
or  the  discharge  of  the  semen  externally  to  the 
vagina. 

The  act  is  incomplete  and  unnatural,  and  is  fol- 
lowed by  results  similar  to  and  as  disastrous  as  those 
consequent  upon  masturbation.  In  the  male  it  may^ 
result  in  impotence,  in  the  female  in  sterility.  In  both 
sexes  many  nervous  symptoms  are  produced,  such 
as  headache,  defective  vision,  dyspepsia,  insomnia, 
loss  of  memory,  etc.  Very  many  cases  of  uterine 
diseases  can  be  attributed  solely  to  this  practice. 


326  WISER  PARENTHOOD. 

The  objection  to  the  use  of  the  syringe  is  that  if 
the  sperm  has  passed  into  the  uterus  the  fluid  cannot 
reach  it.  A  cold  fluid  may  in  some  instances  produce 
contractions  to  throw  it  off,  but  cannot  be  relied 
upon.  Drugs  that  are  used  to  destroy  the  germ  are 
usually  injurious,  and  cannot  accomplish  the  purpose 
beyond  the  vagina. 

A  theory  has  been  advanced  that  conception  is 
under  the  control  of  the  woman's  will;  that  by  avoid- 
ing the  last  thrill  of  passion  herself,  during  coition, 
she  can  prevent  the  ovules  being  displaced  to  meet 
the  male  germs.  This  is,  however,  inconsistent  with 
the  teaching  that  ovulation  is  coincident  with  men- 
struation. 

By  some  also  a  theory  called  sedular  absorption  is 
advanced.  In  this,  intercourse  is  had  without  culmi- 
nation. No  discharge  is  allowed.  People  practicing 
this  method  claim  the  highest  possible  enjoyment, 
no  loss  of  vitality,  and  perfect  control  of  the  fecun- 
dating power. 

"When  men  and  women  learn  that  the  procreative 
function  is  the  highest  function  of  their  nature,  and 
consequently  that  passion  instead  of  dominating  their 
lives  should  be  under  the  reign  of  reason,  then  may 
we  hope  for  a  wiser,  happier  and  purer  race  of 
beings.  Wiser  parenthood  and  intelligent  generation 
is  the  surest  regeneration. 

In  answer  to  inquiries  for  knowledge  upon  pre- 
natal culture,  we  refer  to  A.  E.  Newton's  estimable 
work  upon  this  subject.  At  first  we  were  jealous 
that  such  a  needed  work  was  not  written  by  a  woman, 
but  we  have  become  thankful  that  that  man  lives 
whose  heart  is  in  sympathy  with  the  needs  of  the 


PRE-NATAL  CULTURE.  327 

race,  and  was  inspired  to  give  us  such  words  of  wis- 
dom. He  teaches  us  that  we  may  take  the  crude 
metal,  fashion  and  burnish  it  into  a  thing  of  beauty. 

He  directs  the  attention  especially  to  the  truth 
that  the  father's  responsibility  to  the  child  is  equal 
to  the  mother's.  That  his  life  must  be  pure,  his 
appetites  subservient,  and  his  soul  filled  with  high 
aspirations.  To  attain  to  such  a  life  he  must  avoid 
stimulating  food  and  drink,  as  well  as  tobacco. 

Few  realize  the  ill  effects  01  the  latter,  especially 
upon  the  pregnant  woman,  the  fetus  and  the  infant. 
In  the  mother  the  sick  headaches,  nausea,  and  many 
nervous  ailments  of  pregnancy  are  directly  attribu- 
table to  the  effect  of  tobacco  smoke  which  she  must 
inhale. 

The  child  in  utero  and  in  the  cradle,  is  also  poi- 
soned by  it.  Chorea,  paralysis,  heart  disease,  con- 
vulsions, and  many  other  maladies  are  the  result  of 
the  father's  tobacco  habit. 

TESTIMONIALS. 

Many  testimonials  have  been  received  from  people 
*  ho  have  derived  benefit  from  following  the  teach- 
ings of  Tokology.  By  permission  a  few  extracts  are 
taken  from  letters  which  are  only  similar  to  hundreds 
'received,  giving  wonderful  proof  of  the  efficacy  of  its 
teachings.  In  some  families  the  work  is  used  as  a 
reference  book,  while  others  loan  it  to  friends  and 
neighbors,  keeping  it  on  its  mission  of  health  and 
/lappiness.  Frequently  the  writer  says:  "I  would 
not  take  $10  for  my  copy  if  I  could  not  procure  an- 
»)ther." 

One  writes:  "It  has  been  such  a  comfort  to  pre- 


328  INTERESTING  TESTIMONIALS. 

pare  dainty  and  palatable  dishes  for  an  invalid 
mother  from  the  recipes  in  dietetics.  It-  is  a  great 
gratification  to  her  that  she  can  have  even  pies  and 
puddings  that  can  do  her  no  possible  harm," 

Mrs.  W.,  of  Forest  City,  says:  "  I  have  depended 
on  Tokology  for  knowledge  in  bringing  up  my  twin 
babies.  Have  taken  them  through  attacks  of  croup 
and  summer  complaint,  and  have  never  called  a 
doctor." 

Mr.  J.  C.  A.,  of  Henderson,  Ky.,  says:  "I  have 
been  afflicted  twenty-five  years  with  constipation, 
and  rejoice  to  say  I  am  entirely  relieved  by  follow- 
ing the  diet  and  exercises  recommended  in  Tokology. 
I  wish  every  one  knew  the  value  of  these  simple 
measures." 

Mrs.  E.  J.  McElwain,  of  Michigan,  says:  "A  friend 
of  mine,  advanced  to  the  seventh  month  of  preg- 
nancy, bought  Tokology.  She  lived  entirely  by  the 
instructions  contained  therein.  Last  Monday  was 
confined.  The  child  was  born  before  the  doctor  or 
any  one  could  get  there.  She  is  a  true  woman,  and 
desires  every  woman  to  have  the  benefit  of  her 
experience."  This  is  only  one  of  many  similar 
testimonials. 

Dr.  E.  M.  Hale,  of  Chicago,  says:  "I  consider 
Tokology  the  very  best  book  that  can  be  put  into  the 
hands  of  a  girl  or  young  wife." 

My  Dear  Dr.  Stockham: — I  have  had  three  chil- 
dren, and  in  the  delivery  of  each  have  suffered  com- 
paratively no  pain.  With  the  two  first  the  physician 
was  not  in  the  house  ten  minutes  before  the  birth  of 
the  child,  while  the  last  was  born  half  an  hour  before 
his  arrival,  although  he  made  all  possible  haste.     I 


ACCIDENTAL  EXPERIENCE.  329 

had  never  heard  anything  in  regard  to  painless  child- 
birth. I  never  was  strong,  and  being  over  thirty  be- 
fore my  firsc"  child  was  born,  it  was  a  mystery  to  my- 
self and  friends  why  I  should  have  such  easy  labors. 
Several  months  ago  I  read  Tokology ^  and  then  I  un- 
derstood it,  for  accidentally  I  have  lived  according 
to  its  teachings.  My  diet  was  entirely  of  fruits  and 
grains.  Meats  I  had  a  positive  dislike  for,  and  never 
ate  them.  Lemons  I  craved,  and  would  eat  three  or 
four  a  day,  also  all  kinds  of  fruits.  Pastries  I  cared 
nothing  for,  living  on  rice,  oatmeal,  etc.,  and  the  re- 
sult was,  as  you  teach,  a  painless  child-birth.  One  of 
my  friends,  Mrs.  M.  H.,  of  Springfield,  Ohio,  in  her 
first  confinement,  which  was  severe  and  prolonged, 
came  near  losing  her  life,  with  that  of  her  babe.  The 
cervix  and  perineum  were  lacerated,  and  her  confine- 
ment was  followed  by  inflammation  and  prolonged 
prostration.  Her  physician  said  she  probably  could 
not  again  become  pregnant;  if  she  did  she  would 
surely  die.  This  was  five  years  ago.  Last  spring 
she  again  conceived,  and  was  very  despondent,  fear- 
ing  the  worst.  When  I  heard  of  it  I  sent  her  Tokol- 
ogy. Hopefully  she  began  following  its  teachings. 
She  was  amply  repaid  by  being  safely  delivered,  com- 
paratively without  pain,  and  having  no  subsequent 
illness,  in  her  own  language,  "feeling  so  well,  it 
seemed  an  absurdity  to  remain  in  bed."  I  have 
known  several  others  who  have  followed  Tokology^ 
and  in  each  case  it  has  proved  equally  successful. 
How  I  wish  that  every  pregnant  woman  could  have 
this  grand  work.  I  know  then  that  the  agony  so 
many  women  endure  would  be  prevented. 

Mrs.  S.  a.  Goff,  Lincoln.  Kan. 


330  A  FEW  weeks'  training. 

Dear  Doctor: — I  am  astonished  at  the  benefits 
derived  from  Tokology.  I  had  the  book  only  a  few 
weeks  before  confinement;  when  I  procured  it  my 
feet  were  so  bloated  I  could  scarcely  walk  across  the 
room.  I  followed  the  advice  in  the  book  faithfully, 
and  in  a  short  time  got  so  smart  I  could  do  my  work 
with  ease.  The  night  before  confinement  I  walked 
two  miles  and  came  home,  feeling  well.  I  got  up  in 
the  morning  and  gathered  up  my  clothes  for  wash- 
insT,  but  soon  found  I  had  other  business  on  hand. 
At  lo  o'clock  A.  M.  I  had  a  nice  little  daughter;  was 
sick  only  one  hour,  and  no  very  hard  pain.  Always 
before,  my  sickness  at  such  times  had  been  long  and 
severe;  have  lain  unconscious  for  hours.  My  re~ 
covery,  too,  from  previous  labors,  has  been  very  lin- 
gering. This  time  in  five  days  I  was  dressed  and 
stood  upon  my  feet;  in  two  weeks  was  able  to  take 
care  of  my  child,  and  do  much  besides.  No  money 
could  buy  my  book  from  me.  I  most  cheerfully  give 
my  experience  for  the  benefit  of  others. 

Mrs.  Maggie  Mead, 

Fricjid,  Neb. 

To  Doctor  Stockham,  wnom  I  call  my  best 
friend: — When  about  three  months  advanced  in  preg- 
nancy I  bought  Tokology.  My  health  was  very  poor; 
I  was  a  constant  sufferer.  My  children  had  all  been 
weak  and  puny,  and  died  when  from  three  to  six 
months  old.  With  the  last  I  lost  my  own  health; 
many  said  I  would  not  live  to  have  another  child.  I 
have  followed  the  directions  of  Tokology  to  the  letter. 
From  the  first  my  health  improved,  and  I  had  a  com- 
fortable confinement.     The  contrast  to  the  previous 


SATISFACTORY  RESULTS.  331 

Jabors  was  as  day  is  to  night.  I  can  truly  say  I  owe 
my  life  to  Tokology.  Could  I  not  get  another,  I 
would  not  take  $100  for  it.  I  wish  every  woman 
knew  the  value  of  the  work  as  I  do. 

Mrs.  a.  R.  Stewart, 

St.  Paul,  Minn. 

My  Dear  Miss  Stockham: — In  presenting  me 
your  mother's  book,  you  add  another  one  to  your 
many  kind  and  thoughtful  deeds,  which  will  aid  me 
wonderfully  in  my  mission  as  wife  and  mother.  To- 
kology contains  a  wealth  of  enlightenment  calculated 
to  promote  all  that  is  pure  and  noble.  You  and  your 
mother  are  truly  great  philanthropists. 

Marie  F.  Bornefeld, 

Galveston,  Tex. 

Dear  Dr.  Stockham: — My  delivery  was  the 
shortest  and  easiest  I  ever  had.  The  Lord  was  good 
to  me  in  giving  me  what  I  needed.  Tokology  proved 
a  great  blessing,  as  my  health  improved  all  the  time. 
I  have  a  fine  little  girl,  who  is  perfectly  healthy.  I 
can,  with  good  conscience,  recommend  Tokology.  My 
sister  ofificiated  as  midwife  by  the  instructions  in  the 
book,  though  previously  entirely  inexperienced,  and 
did  well.  How  can  any  one  help  understanding  your 
plain  directions.^  I  feel  very  grateful  that  Tokology 
ever  came  into  my  hands.  Some  of  the  suggestions 
are  invaluable.  Bathing  the  babe  in  sweet  oil  worked 
like  a  charm.  "Not  tying  the  cord,"  of  which  some 
were  fearful,  worked  nicely.  I  thank  the  Lord  for 
giving  you  the  power  to  write  such  a  valuable  book. 

Mrs.  L.  a.  Sherman, 
Litchfield,  III. 


332  CURSE  OF  SUFFERING  REMOVED. 

My  Dear  Mrs.  Talbot: — Your  invaluable  gift, 
Tokology,  reached  me  Christmas  morning.  I  was  in 
bed,  suffering  intensely  from  uterine  disease.  I  eag- 
erly grasped  the  book  and  read  as  I  never  did  be- 
fore. Many  times  I  have  said  that  God  had  shown 
no  consideration  iov  frail,  delicate  vfomQn\  that  bear- 
ing children  was  a  blight  to  womanhood  and  a  curse 
to  the  marriage  vow.  Why  was  this?  My  heart  has 
been  in  one  life-long  rebellion.  I  could  not  be  re- 
signed to  the  agony  endured  by  wives  and  mothers. 
I  knew  there  was  something  terribly  wrong.  Tokol- 
ogy has  solved  the  problem  for  me.  You  cannot  im- 
agine how  happy  it  has  made  me.  Already  I  begin 
to  feel  the  joy  of  returning  health.  I  want  all  my 
friends  and  neighbors  to  have  the  book.  My  parents 
and  sisters  must  read  it.  I  can  never  tell  what  a 
blessing  your  gift  has  bestowed  on  me  and  us.  I 
thank  you  a  thousand  times. 

S.  L.  PiGGOTT, 

Shreveporty  La. 

The  following  is  a  P.  S.  to  a  business  letter  from  a 
lawyer: — Mrs.  K.  wishes  me  to  add  that  she  faith- 
fully followed  your  instructions  in  regard  to  fruit 
diet  and  sitz-baths,  and  owes  you  very  much  for  good 
results  obtained.  The  doctor  did  not  reach  the  house 
until  half  an  hour  after  the  child  was  born.  She 
really  experie.icedbut  one  severe  pain,  while  our  first 
child  caused  her  much  suffering.  We  are  both  grate- 
ful for  the  science  you  teach.  W.  F.  K., 

Huron,  Dak. 

My  Dear  Doctor: — In  all  previous  confinements 
I  had  very  severe  after-pains;  when  I  asked  the  doc- 


AFTER-PAINS   REMOVED.  333 

tor  for  something  to  give  relief,  he  replied  unfeelingly 
that  this  is  nature's  method  of  restoring  the  womb  to 
its  natural  condition,  and  that  our  first  mother  had 
no  medicine  for  after-pains.  Thanks  to  Tokologyy  I 
had  no  after-pains  this  time.  I  followed  the  fruit  and 
grain  diet,  often  using  three  lemons  a  day.  I  always 
took  a  glass  of  hot  lemonade  before  breakfast.  How 
good  of  a  woman  to  write  these  things  as  you  have 
done  for  women.     Yours  truly, 

Mrs.  K.  J., 

Louisville ^  Ky. 

The  following  is  from  an  experienced  physician: 
Dear  Doctor: — I  am  glad  to  add  my  testimony 
to  the  truths  of  Tokology.  I  was  past  thirty-five  when 
I  first  became  pregnant,  but  by  hygienic  training 
before  and  during  pregnancy,  I  bore  three  children 
without  suffering.  I  ate  food  containing  little  or  no 
bone-forming  material.  Every  day  took  plenty  of 
exercise;  gardening,  walking,  gathering  fruit,  etc.  I 
was  careful  that  my  dress  caused  no  restriction  about 
my  waist,  abdomen  or  hips,  not  wearing  even  one  band 
to  an  under-garment.  I  took  sitz-baths  before  retir- 
ing, and  during  the  entire  pregnancy  enjoyed  perfect 
health.  Still,  on  account  of  my  age,  I  fully  expected 
some  suffering  in  child-birth. 

On  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  December  I  noticed 
painless  contraction  of  the  uterus,  recurring  regularly 
every  hour,  the  intervals  gradually  shortening  to 
twenty  minutes,  by  night.  I  spent  the  evening  very 
pleasantly  entertaining  company,  no  one  suspecting 
I  was  in  labor.  I  went  to  bed  and  slept  until  1 1 
o'clock,  when  I  was  awakened  by  a  positive  expulsive 
eHort;  still  no  pain.    I  aroused  my  husband,  asking 


334  DR.  LARKINS'  TESTIMONY. 

bim  to  prepare  a  hot  sitz-bath,  which  was  very  grate- 
llil.  He  was  anxious  to  call  the  doctor  and  nurse, 
and  also  to  arouse  my  mother,  who  was  in  the  house, 
but  I  assured  him  it  was  too  soon.  Although  I  had 
lived  carefully,  I  fully  believed  I  must  suffer,  and  I 
begged  him  to  disturb  no  one   until  I  became  sick. 

In  a  few  minutes  I  felt  I  must  arise  from  the  sitz- 
bath,  and  quickly  knelt  beside  a  chair.  The  next 
expulsive  effort  brought  a  welcome  little  stranger.  I 
poured  my  heart  out  in  gratitude  for  the  knowledge 
that  had  brought  about  such  wonderful  results.  With 
my  own  hands  I  tied  the  cord  and  removed  the 
placenta.  I  fixed  myself  nicely  in  bed  and  enjoyed 
the  washing  and  dressing  of  my  own  darling  with  true 
motherly  delight.  My  own  mother  in  an  adjoining 
room  knew  nothing  of  the  event  until  all  was  over. 
The  second  day  I  was  out  doors,  and  the  third  I  took 
a  short  ride  to  visit  a  patient  who  needed  a  minor 
surgical  operation. 

When  my  second  child  was  born  we  had  just  made 
the  trip  by  steamer  from  New  York  to  San  Fran- 
cisco. We  had  been  out  to  an  evening  lecture,  and 
were  guests  at  a  Water  Cure,  separated  from  our 
bcicgage.  I  had  slept  quietly  about  an  hour,  when  I 
became  aware  that  I  must  arouse  my  husband  to  go 
for  one  trunk  with  all  possible  speed.  Although  he 
had  to  go  only  a  short  distance,  which  he  accom- 
plished in  haste,  the  child  was  born  without  pain 
while  T  was  entirely  alone.  I  really  felt  no  need  of 
assistance.  With  the  dear  oy  who  has  blessed  every 
hour  since  his  advent,  we  continued  the  journey  to 
Santa  Cruz  the  third  day  of  his  life,  with  no  bad 
results. 


ABSOLUTE   FREEDOM   IN   DRESS.  33$ 

My  third  child  was  born  with  only  half  an  hour's 
painless  expulsive  effort,  and,  as  usual,  I  was  up  and 
out  doors  the  second  day  after. 

If  women  could  be  made  to  understand  what  is 
gained  by  absolutely  dressing  the  waist  free  from  any 
pressure  or  constriction,  we  could  hopefully  predict 
a  near  millennium  of  safety  and  freedom  of  pain  in 
child-birth.  It  seems  almost  hopeless  to  convince 
any  lady  that  the  bands  of  her  skirts  and  drawers  are 
any  detriment  to  her  in  the  performance  of  natural 
functions.  I  have  known  of  hundreds  of  cases  where 
natural  conditions  have  brought  about  results  similar 
to  my  own  experience.         *         '""         * 

I  must  take  from  my  diary  one  case,  a  strong  proof 
of  the  truths  taught  in  Tokology.  Mrs.  H.,  of  Phila- 
delphia, in  the  fifth  month  of  pregnancy  placed  her- 
self under  my  care.  She  was  married  at  thirty-five, 
and  soon  became  pregnant.  At  her  full  term,  sur- 
geons discovered  deformity  of  the  pelvis,  and  were 
forced  to  perform  craniotomy  and  instrumental  deliv- 
ery. She  was  told  she  never  could  give  birth  to  a 
living  child.  Twice  subsequently,  by  eminent  sur- 
geons, abortion  was  produced,  in  order  to  save  her 
life.  In  this  last  pregnancy  she  was  told  that  her 
constitution  was  so  undermined  it  would  be  certain 
death  to  destroy  the  fetus,  and  she  had  better  take 
her  chances  by  going  full  term.  She  came  under  my 
care  with  the  expectation  of  only  four  months  of  life, 
very  feeble,  and  a  great  sufferer.  I  was  never  more 
determined  that  any  one  should  have  the  advantage 
of  the  truths  of  Tokology.  I  kept  her  out  doors  lying 
on  a  cot,  and  had  her  practice  deep  breathing  and 
gymnastics.     Three   times  daily  she  had  thorough 


336  A  GRATEFUL  WOMAN. 

massage,  taking  cool  sitz-baths  frequently.  She  soon 
began  to  take  short  walks,  although  when  she  came 
she  was  unable  to  cross  the  room  alone.  Previous  to 
the  birth  of  the  child,  she  could  walk  with  ease  a  mile 
before  partaking  of  her  breakfast  of  fresh  fruit. 
Although  deformed  and  apparently  a  physical  wreck, 
by  reliance  upon  these  simple  methods  only,  discard- 
ing all  drugs,  she  brought  forth  a  living  child  with 
only  a  few  hours  of  suffering.  She  has  ever  since 
been  a  proud,  healthy,  happy  mother.  May  God 
bless  you,  dear  doctor,  in  your  mission  of  good  health 
to  women.     Ever  faithfully, 

Harriet  H.  Larkins,  M.  D., 

Wright,  Dickey  Co.,  Dak. 

A  grateful  woman  writes: — My  reason  for  wishing 
to  sell  Tokology  is  this:  Twice  I  went  down  to  death, 
suffering  all  the  agony  a  woman  can  suffer  and  live. 
For  what?  Only  to  receive  into  my  aching  arms  a 
piece  of  lifeless  clay. 

The  last  time  I  was  pregnant  I  stumbled  upon 
Tokology,  and  followed  its  teachings.  The  result  is  a 
beautiful  living  daughter.  These  are  glad  tidings  of 
great  joy.  MRS.  GEO.  N.  Jarvis, 

ArapaJioe,  Neb. 

The  following  letter  is  from  a  lady  well  known  in 
philanthropic  work.  She  says, — I  wish  to  give  you 
the  praise  and  credit  of  assisting  me  in  obtaining 
such  an  easy  confinement,  and  such  rest  and  good 
health  the  last  three  months  of  pregnancy.  I  think 
it  was  remarkable,  in  view  of  my  age  (forty  years), 
and  the  length  of  time  (fourteen  years)  since  I  had 
borne   a  child.     I  was  very  poorly  the  first  three 


A  TEMPERANCE   WORKERS   WORDS.  33/ 

months.  During  my  absence  at  Detroit,  where  I  had 
been  attending  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  Convention,  one  of 
your  circulars  was  sent  to  me.  At  the  urgent  solici- 
tation of  my  family  I  obtained  the  book.  I  am  very 
thankful  for  it.  It  has  been  of  untold  help  to  me. 
From  the  first  it  gave  me  great  encouragement. 

I  took  a  bath  every  other  night.     My  food  con- 
sisted of  graham  gems,  lean  meats,  cooked  fruits  and 
a  little  hot  water  and  cream.    I  ate  nothing  from  my 
noon  dinner  until  morning,  and  slept  much  betterat 
night.    >Women  eat  too  much.     If  they  would  only 
try,  they  would  soon  get  over  that  feeling  of  hunger 
of  which  they  complain.     One  thing  they  should  in- 
sist upon,  and  that  is  to  sleep  alone  for  at  least  the 
last  three  months.   The  last  night  I  slept  well,  arose 
in  the  morning  and  assisted  in  preparing  the  break- 
fast.    After  the  meal  was  over,  I  sent  for  the  nurse 
and  physician,  who  arrived  about  nine  o'clock.     Be- 
fore eleven  o'clock  I  had  a  beautiful  nine-pound  baby. 
I  had  passed  through  my  confinement  with  such 
comfort  that  I  could  but  wish  that  all  mothers  might 
do  likewise,  and  that  I  could  have  read  your  book 
twenty-five  years  earlier.       It  would  have  saved  me 
great  suffering  and  trouble. 

Mrs.  M.  a.  Luley, 

Sf.  Paul,  Minn. 

Mrs.  Prof.  Kinzie,  of  Emporia,  Kansas,  writes: 
Mrs.  a.  B.  Stockham,  M.  D.: 

Dear  Madam, — By  direction  of  my  physician,  I 
followed  the  laws  of  health  as  given  in  your  valua- 
ble book,  and  feel  amply  repaid. 

Ten  years  ago,  in  my  first  confinement,  I  suffered 
forty-eight  hours,  twenty-four  of  hard  labor,  and  in 


338  THE  MILLENNIUM  FOR  WOMEN. 

this  second  confinement  not  even  one  hour.  This 
was  no  comparison  to  the  first.  My  baby  (now  four 
months  old)  is  the  picture  of  good  health,  and  I  am 
myself  more  than  ordinarily  well. 

My  diet  was  of  fruit  and  vegetables,  with  graham 
mush  for  breakfast.  I  was  very  regular  the  last  three 
months  with  my  sitz-baths,  taking  them  just  before 
retiring,  and  finding  them  very  quieting. 

I  took  a  walk  every  day  for  the  first  seven  months. 
After  that  my  only  exercise  was  my  housework.  I 
wish  that  this  valuable  book  could  reach  all.  If  any- 
thing I  have  said  will  help  some  poor  mortal,  I  shall 
be  very  glad  to  have  you  use  my  words. 

Occasionally  it  has  been  reported  to  me  that  wo- 
men following  the  teachings  of  Tokology  in  pregnancy 
have  failed  in  securing  desired  results.  Almost  inva- 
riably in  such  cases  investigation  has  proven  that 
some  of  the  directions  have  not  been  followed. 
Nearly  always  XSxq  fruit  diet  has  been  adopted  quite 
faithfully,  and  sitz-baths  taken  as  directed.  Often  no 
special  change  has  been  made  in  dress,  the  exercises 
and  the  hot  bath  at  confinement  have  been  omitted, 
and  the  teachings  in  Chap.  XI.  entirely  ignored. 

These  are  all  equally  important  with  diet  and  bath- 
ing The  millennium  for  women,  so  far  as  health  is 
concerned,  would  be  at  hand  if  they  could  be  con- 
vinced of  the  injurious  results  of  corsets,  bands  and 
heavy  skirts.  These  must  be  discarded.  There  is  no 
compromise  if  one  desires  the  physical  development 
so  essential  to  healthy  child-bearing. 

The  stock-raiser  would  not  allow  one  single  girth 
around  a  mare  in  foal  that  in  any  way  restricted  res- 


REASONS  FOR  FAILURES.  339 

piration,  digestion  and  circulation,  lest  the  mare  or 
her  offspring  be  injured.  In  the  physical  life  of 
woman  she  is  just  as  amenable  to  the  laws  of  nature 
as  is  the  animal. 

If  a  man  were  to  exchange  and  wear  his  wife's 
clothing,  for  one  month,  only  he  would  show  more  in- 
terest that  the  mother  of  his  child  should  avoid  the 
deleterious  influence  of  the  fashionable  dress.  The 
natural  and  artistic  lines  of  the  body  must  be  pre- 
served to  insure  the  noble  attributes  and  capacities 
of  motherhood. 

Exerdseis  especially  essential  in  pregnancy.  Those 
recommended  in  Tokology  increase  the  capacity  of 
the  pelvis  and  abdomen,  develop  the  muscles  to  be 
used  in  parturition,  aid  digestion,  and  equalize  cir- 
culation. 

Many  ladies,  following  faithfully  the  directions  for 
exercise,  have  been  very  lax  in  regard  to  diet  and 
baths,  and  yet  brought  about  remarkable  results  in 
having  an  easy  delivery.  Several  instances  have 
come  to  my  knowledge  of  ladies  who,  having  taken 
elocution  lessons  during  pregnancy,  and  with  these 
lessons  a  thorough  course  of  gymnastics,  have  brought 
about  a  natural  delivery,  where  labor  previously  had 
been  prolonged  and  severe.  These  were  persons  who 
had  no  knowledge  of  special  baths  ot  fruit  diet. 

The  following  interesting  letter  is  from  an  intelli- 
gent lady  who  is  selling  Tokology  as  missionary 
w  ">rk: 

Dear  Dr.  Stockham: — Be  sure  to  tell  the  ladies 
the  importance  of  exercise  during  pregnancy.  Many 
a.'e  blinded  to  any  measure  save  t\vQ  fruit  diet.  I  had 
Tokology  only  the  leist  six  weeks  of  pregrcar4cy.  Pre- 

22 


340  RESULTS  FROM  EXERCISE. 

vious  to  that  I  had  exercised  very  little.  As  soon  as 
I  read  the  work  I  began  gymnastics  and  walking; 
took  sitz-baths  to  remove  any  lameness  caused.  I 
also  went  up  and  down  stairs  a  great  deal,  following 
directions  in  Tokology.  To  the  very  last  week  I  con- 
tinued canvassing  for  your  valuable  work.  I  had  paiti^ 
less  contractions  of  the  uterus  every  few  moments 
during  the  entire  day. 

After  eating  my  supper  and  refusing  to  play  cro- 
quet, as  I  had  an  engagement^  I  hastened  to  my  room 
to  prepare  for  the  arrival  of  the  little  stranger.  The 
contractions  began  to  cause  some  pain.  I  made  use 
cl  the  hot  sitz-bath,  and  it  gave  wonderful  relief.  I 
remained  in  the  bath  a  long  time,  until  I  became  so 
sleepy  it  was  necessary  to  go  to  bed.  I  had  no  hard 
pain.  The  expulsive  efforts  were  not  as  painful  as 
the  first  contractions,  and  those  I  had  were  in  the 
abdomen.  After  three  bearing-down  pains  I  laid 
down,  and  the  fourth  pain  brought  the  child  from  the 
uterus  into  the  world,  and  without  any  of  that  tear- 
ing pain  usually  experienced.  Ail  was  over  at  10:30 
o'clock. 

This  was  my  third  boy.  With  both  of  the  others 
I  was  in  labor  all  night  and  half  of  the  next  day,  and 
took  chloroform  for  hours,  the  agony  was  so  unbear- 
able. Each  time  I  was  so  sore  and  weak  afterward 
I  could  not  move  myself  in  bed.  This  time  I  could 
move  right  away  to  any  part  of  the  bed;  and  the 
next  day  sat  up  to  eat  food  three  times.  I  had  my 
nurse  only  four  days,  while  each  time  before  I  could 
not  do  without  her  under  three  weeks.  I  was  out 
selling  Tokology  in  less  than  two  weeks,  and  can  as- 
sure you,  dear  iJoctor,  I  never  did  any  v/ork  with 


EFFECTS  OF  INDURATION.  34I 

such  a  good  will  as  this.   It  is  taking  a  blessed  truth 
to  women.     Sincerely  your  friend, 

Mrs.  G.  E.  Brown, 
Las  Animas y  Col. 

It  is  probable,  if  a  woman  has  had  inflammation  and 
ulceration  of  the  womb  a  long  time,  that  she  will  be 
unable  to  bring  about  conditions  to  insure  a  painless 
labor.  This  is  true,  especially,  if  caustic  treatment 
has  been  resorted  to,  resulting  in  induration.  In  such 
a  case,  a  course  of  hygienic  treatment  during  preg- 
nancy will  be  valuable,  but  to  restore  the  parts  to 
their  normal  conditions  may  require  years  of  right 
living. 

I  must  again  emphasize  the  need  of  continence  be- 
tween husband  and  wife  during  pregnancy.  A  lady 
physician  in  Iowa  relates  many  interesting  cases 
where  labor  was  rendered  almost  painless,  simply  by 
the  continent  life.  Her  theory  is,  that  the  repeated 
contractions  of  the  vaginal  walls  and  vulva  render 
them  unyielding,  and  consequently  there  is  absolute 
mechanical  obstruction  to  the  passage  of  the  head. 
The  theory  is  certainly  worthy  of  consideration. 

I  have  long  been  thoroughly  convinced  that  sexual 
intercourse  during  pregnancy  is  entirely  inimical  to 
the  best  conditions  for  maternity.  The  natural  re- 
pugnance that  most  women  have  for  the  act  during 
fetal  growth,  ought  to  cause  right-minded  people 
serious  thought. 

Col.  A.  B.  Meacham,  who  has  spent  much  time 
among  the  Modocs,  says:  "There  is  a  tradition 
among  them  that  the  Great  Spirit  blew  his  breath 
upon  a  maiden,  and  said  to  her  that  she  should  be- 


342  INDIAN  TRADITION. 

come  the  mother  of  the  son  of  the  Great  Spirit.  He 
forbade  her  to  look  upon  the  face  of  man  until  the 
child  was  born.  To  this  day  no  Indian  woman  of 
the  tribe  who  is  to  become  a  mother,  ever  looks  upon 
the  face  of  man." 

Is  it  not  possible  that  here  is  one  potent  reason 
that  Indian  women  have  so  little  suffering  in  child- 
birth? May  not  the  intelligent  white  man  learn  a 
lesson  of  purity,  of  self-abnegation,  as  well  as  of 
honor  to  his  wife  and  offspring,  from  the  untutored 
savage.' 

We  are  counseled  by  eminent  physicians,  like  Ac- 
ton, Gerrish,  Cowan  and  Winslow,  that  the  continent 
life  gives  to  the  individual  the  best  physical  develop- 
ment, the  greatest  intellectual  strength  and  the  high- 
est moral  excellence,  as  well  as  promotes  conditions 
for  the  improvement  of  the  race. 

Prof.  Huxley  says:  "That  man  has  had  a  liberal 
education  who  has  been  so  trained  in  youth  that  his 
body  is  the  ready  servant  of  his  will  *  *  *  * 
and  who,  no  stunted  ascetic,  is  full  of  life  and  fire,  but 
whose  passions  are  trained  to  come  to  heel  by  a  vig- 
orous will,  the  servant  of  a  tender  conscience." 

Dr.  F.  H.  Gerrish  says:  "Man's  procreative  energy 
should  be  to  him  a  sacred  trust,  to  be  kept  inviolate, 
and  to  be  ysed  only  with  the  distinct  and  definite 
purpose  of  perpetuating  his  kind.  His  children  would 
never  be  accidents,  but  begotten  intentionally,  at  a 
time  when  both  parents  are  in  good  physical  and 
mental  condition." 

Further,  in  opposing  the  prevalent  opinion  that 
continence  is  a  cause  of  disease,  he  says:  "I  very 
much  doubt  if  a  member  of  this  association  ever  had 


THE  BETTER  WAY.  343 

to  treat  a  disease  resulting  from  chaste  continence.  I 
would  emphasize  the  adjective,  for  nothing  but  harm 
can  come  from  the  excitement  dependent  on  the  con- 
stant or  frequent  entertainment  of  lewd  imaginings, 
even  if  one  abstain  altogether  from  sexual  indul- 
gence. 

Rev.  N.  E.  Boyd  says:  "Men  need  all  their  vital 
force  not  required  in  fatherhood,  for  the  performance 
of  the  labors,  material,  mental  and  moral,  whereunto 
they  are  called." 

A  well-known  author  testifies:  "Beyond  doubt,  as 
men  now  live,  continence  is  almost  impossible.  They 
drug  themselves  with  tobacco  and  excite  themselves 
with  wine.  They  enervate  their  powers  in  heated 
rooms,  and  read  books  which  arouse  lascivious  desires. 
Naturally,  sexual  passion  attacks  them,  and  if  it  be 
refused  gratification  they  become  fevered  and  rest- 
less, and  declare  that  health  demands  frequent  inter- 
course, and  suffers  without.  But  it  is  Xiot  2l physical 
necessity.  Under  certain  conditions  absolute  conti- 
nence is  consistent  with  the  highest  health  during 
the  whole  lifetime.  To  attain  this,  however,  one  must 
live  in  perfect  accordance  with  hygienic  laws;  he  can- 
not expect  to  suppress  one  vice  and  yield  to  another." 

The  following  wise  counsels  to  fathers  is  in  a 
pamphlet  entitled  "The  Better  Way,"  by  A.  E.  New- 
ton: "  The  matron,  when  once  her  organism  has  en- 
tered upon  the  work  of  developing  a  new  life,  should 
be  left  unmolested  by  intrusion  in  that  department  of 
her  being.  The  work  cannot  be  well  performed — it 
may  be  woefully  defaced  or  ruined — if  the  energies  of 
her  system  are  drawn  upon  by  additional  demands 
upon  the  sexual  organism.    At  all  events,  the  intui- 


344  TESTIMONY  OF  EMINENT  MEN. 

tion  of  the  mother,  when  against  the  practice  referred 
to,  should  never  be  violated.  To  abstain  from  all 
intrusive  acts  is  a  duty  which  no  father  can  disregard 
with  impunity, 

"The  strength  of  the  sexual  appetite  in  men  is 
unquestionably  the  grand  obstacle  to  the  improve- 
ment of  the  race  in  the  manner  proposed.  But  is 
this  strength  in  all  cases  purely  natural  and  healthy.^ 
Otherwise,  no  one  can  rationally  urge  that  its  de- 
mands should  be  indulged  to  their  full  extent — much 
less  that  the  personal  rights,  the  health  and  happiness 
of  the  opposite  sex,  and  the  welfare  of  unborn  gener- 
ations, should  be  sacrificed  to  its  indulgence.  *  *  * 
Experience  has  proven  that  mastery  can  be  attained. 
A  determined  will—  an  earnest,  constant  aspiration 
for  power  from  above  to  overcome,  with  a  careful 
abstinence  from  exciting  foods,  drinks,  acts  and 
thoughts,  and  the  use  of  appropriate  means  to  allay 
excitement — these,  persisted  in,  will  bring  the  victory 
in  due  time.** 

William  Acton,  M.  R.  C.  S.,  an  English  physician, 
eminent  in  his  profession,  says:  "True  continence  is 
complete  control  over  the  passions,  exercised  by  one 
who  has  felt  their  power,  and  who,  were  it  not  for 
his  steady  will,  not  only  could  but  would  indulge 
them.  *  *  *  Granted,  that  continence  is  a  trialy 
a  sore  trial,  a  bitter  trial,  if  you  will,  what,  I  would 
ask,  is  the  use  or  object  of  a  trial  but  to  try,  to  test, 
to  elicit,  strengthen  and  brace  whatever  of  sterling, 
whatever  of  valuable,  there  is  in  the  thing  tried.^  To 
yield  at  once,  is  this  the  right  way  to  meet  a  trial.? 
To  lay  down  one's  arms  at  the  first  threatening  of 
conflict,  is  this  a  creditable  escape  from  trial,  to  say 


BEST  INTERESTS  OF  OFFSPRING.  345 

no  more?  Nay,  is  it  safe^  when  the  trial  is  imposed 
by  the  highest  possible  authority?  Our  object  ought 
to  be  to  preserve  a  pure  and  healthy  mind  in  a  pure 
and  healthy  body.  Judiciously  directed,  training  and 
exercise  of  both  toward  this  definite  object  would,  I 
am  sure,  in  most  cases,  reduce  the  difficulty  of  living 
a  chaste  life  to  the  minimum,  and  indeed  render  the 
conflict  rather  a  proud  and  thankful  sense  of  self- 
command  than  an  arduous  struggle.  *  *  *  The 
man  who  can  command  even  his  thoughts  will  have 
an  easier  task  in  keeping  himself  continent  than  he 
who  cannot.  He  has  great  power  who,  when  physi- 
cal temptations  assail  him  can  determinedly  apply 
his  mind  to  other  subjects,  and  employ  the  whole 
force  of  his  will  in  turning  away  from  the  danger.' 

Carpenter,  in  a  late  edition  of  his  work,  says  to 
those  who  urge  the  wants  of  nature  as  an  excuse  for 
the  illicit  gratification  of  the  sexual  passion:  "Try 
the  effects  of  close  mental  application  to  some  enno- 
bling pursuit,  in  combination  with  vigorous  bodily 
exercise,  before  you  assert  that  the  appetite  is  unre- 
strainable,  and  act  upon  that  assertion.** 

To  parents  desiring  the  best  interests  of  offspring, 
these  quotations  from  men  of  known  scientific  and 
professional  reputation  are  worthy  of  careful  thought. 
Lives  based  upon  these  truths  will  make  motherhood 
desired,  and  offspring  a  blessing. 

To  secure  the  best  possible  conditions  for  mater- 
nity, a  lady  should  never  lose  sight  of  the  value  of 
congenial,  absorbing  occupation.  There  should  be 
no  leisure  to  foster  morbid  symptoms.  Having 
neither  financial  need  nor  desire  for  following  a  spe- 
cial vocation,  the  systematic  pursuit  of  some  study 


34^  VALUE  OF  A  VOCATION. 

as  geology,  natural  history  or  botany,  will  make  con- 
ditions for  satisfactory  pre-natal  culture. 

Who  knows  but  by  throwing  her  whole  soul  into 
the  search,  and  thus  being  carried  out  of  herself  by 
these  ennobling  pursuits,  she  may  become  the  mother 
of  a  Humboldt,  an  Agassiz  or  an  Audubon. 

A  letter  lies  before  me  from  a  lady  who  had  long 
been  a  sufferer  from  chronic  diseases.  By  following 
the  instructions  of  Tokology  since  her  marriage,  and 
for  some  months  previous  to  pregnancy,  she  has 
overcome  most  of  her  troubles.  She  writes:  "  I 
have  good  news  for  you.  Two  months  from  now  I 
expect  to  become  a  mother.  The  past  six  months* 
life  has  been  a  constant  joy.  I  never  have  had  such 
good  health,  consequently  such  good  spirits  and  en- 
joyment in  my  work.  I  am  now  spending  four  or 
five  hours  a  day  in  study — German  and  music,  and  at 
his  earnest  request,  Latin,  with  my  husband. 

"I  do  my  own  housework,  and  with  my  sewing, 
social  demands  and  daily  walks,  am  busy  every  mo- 
ment, yet,  strange  to  say,  I  never  seemed  to  have  as 
much  leisure  as  now.  We  live  simply,  and,  I  believe, 
sensibly,  and  I  try  to  ^o  the  things  that  are  best 
physically  and  mentally  for  me  as  a  mother,  and  for 
the  little  one  who  is  now  part  of  my  life.'*  This  lady 
finds  absorbing  interest  in  training  classes  of  young 
girls  for  a  noble  womanhood  and  motherhood. 

So  many  objects  of  philanthropic  interest  now  ap- 
peal to  every  woman  that  there  is  abundant  opportu- 
nity to  reach  out  beyond  self.  In  every  c^'  <;ction 
the  needs  of  humanity  demand  of  all  who  have 
hitherto  been  idlers,  that  they  try  the  blesjedness  of 
unselfish  endeavor.    By  responding  bravely  to  these 


SELF-HEALING.  '    ^347 

appeals  in  the  days  of  prospective  maternity,  the 
mother  will  find  both  present  and  future  reward. 

In  pregnancy,  as  in  chronic  diseases,  symptoms  are 
often  attributed  to  imagination.  It  has  been  proven 
that  the  imagination  or  belief  can  create,  not  only 
symptoms,  but  actual  disease.  Physicians  recognize 
this  fact,  but  are  slow  to  acknowledge  the  correlative 
one,  that  this  same  imagination  or  belief  is  of  untold 
therapeutic  value  in  medical  practice. 

Dr.  Evans  says:  "As  thought  and  existence  are 
identical,  a  change  of  thought  must  necessarily  mod- 
ify our  existence.  To  think  a  change  in  our  bodily 
condition,  and  not  merely  to  think  about  it,  will  de- 
termine all  the  living  forces  toward  that  result,  as 
certainly  as  a  stream  issuing  from  a  fountain  will 
flow  in  another  direction  when  we  change  the  direc- 
tion of  its  channel." 

For  self-healing,  one  can  learn  to  abstract  his 
thoughts  from  suffering  or  from  the  organ  aifected, 
so  as  not  to  sense  the  pain.  This  is  somewhat  dif- 
ferent from  opposing  the  w///power,  as  is  usually  un- 
derstood; indeed,  it  is  rather  the  opposite.  By  an 
introversion  of  thought,  a/«^^?W  condition  is  secured 
and  maintained.  Evans  styles  this  an  ^impressible 
conscious  state" 

Understanding  the  conditions,  this  state  can  be 
attained  by  any  one,  and  while  in  it  pain  and  disease, 
real  only  in  thought^  can  be  removed.  In  this  way 
one  thinks  himself  out  of  morbid  conditions.  One 
then,  really  is  only  to  think  the  opposite  of  his  seem- 
ing condition  steadily,  persistently  and  honestly,  to 
effect  a  change. 

When   a  student  at  Olivet  College,  Michigan,  I 


348  OLIVET   STUDENTS. 

heard  Professor  Hosford  lecture  upon  "  Health  and 
Disease."  He  asserted  that  sickness  could  be  in- 
duced by  working  upon  the  imagination  or  belief. 

In  support  of  this  statement  he  related  a  case  of  a 
dose  of  flour,  supposed  to  be  ipecac,  producing  the 
ordinary  results  of  that  drug.  Four  of  the  fun-loving 
students  determined  to  test  this  assertion.  In  one  of 
their  rambles  they  saw  a  teamster  on  his  way  to  pro- 
cure lumber  at  a  place  some  miles  distant.  They 
resolved  to  experiment  upon  him.  Awaiting  his  re- 
turn, they  stationed  themselves  at  considerable  dis- 
tances and  accosted  him  in  a  friendly  manner.  Each 
of  them,  however,  added  to  his  cordial  greetin| 
words  of  dismay  at  seeing  him  look  so  ill. 

To  the  first  he  stoutly  denied  any  indisposition, 
but  to  the  second  admitted  slight  indigestion;  the 
third  found  him  looking  miserable  and  suffering  from 
colic.  He  was  persuaded  to  stop  walking  beside  his 
team  and  ride  on  the  lumber.  The  fourth  easily 
induced  him  to  resign  the  reins,  while  the  teamster, 
really  ill  at  last,  rode  home  reclining  upon  his  load, 
unable  for  the  rest  of  the  day  to  leave  his  home. 

A  curious  experiment  was  tried  by  noted  surgeons 
upon  a  condemned  criminal.  He  was  made  to  be- 
lieve that  he  was  to  be  bled  to  death.  Stretched 
upon  a  table,  bound  and  blindfolded,  he  awaited  the 
operation.  The  surgeon,  with  a  sharp  instrument, 
pricked  his  flesh  to  simulate  the  opening  of  an  ar- 
tery. At  once  a  small  fountain,  from  which  water 
at  blood-heat  flowed,  was  opened  over  the  supposed 
incision;  the  water  flowing  freely  at  first,  gradually 
became  less  and  less  copious. 

The  surgeons  and  attendants  spoke  among  them- 


MIND-CURE  A   REALITY.  349 

selves  of  his  failing  powers,  of  his  pallor,  of  his  loss 
of  heat  and  pulse-beats.  They  questioned  him  mean- 
while as  to  these  symptoms,  which  questioning  he 
answered  in  full  faith  that  his  life-blood  was  indeed 
passing  from  him.  He  grew  fainter  and  more  faint, 
gasped  for  breath,  and  finally  expired. 

If  a  well  person  can  be  made  to  believe  he  is  ill, 
yes,  and  really  to  die  of  his  affection,  as  in  the  case 
above  noted,  and  also  as  is  often  noticed  in  an  epi- 
demic, may  not  a  sick  person  be  led  to  believe  he  is 
well?  Sometimes  a  silent  suggestion  of  friend  or 
physician  to  this  end  is  more  potent  than  the  spoken 
word.  In  the  former  case  the  thought  of  the  pa- 
tient unconsciously  seconds  the  thought  of  the 
friend,  while  in  the  latter,  argument  and  discussion 
rouse  an  opposing  force. 

A  pregnant  woman,  by  ignoring  her  ailments,  by 
abstracting  from  them  her  thoughts,  by  occupying 
her  mind  entirely,  can  bring  about  wonderful  results 
in  overcoming  undesired  conditions.  In  following 
the  teachings  of  Tokology,  care  must  be  taken  that 
the  mind  is  not  directed  to  watching  for  and  fos- 
tering morbid  symptoms. 

The  mindy  the  real  self^  controls  all  the  functions 
pertaining  to  life,  and  its  supremacy  can  be  directed 
toward  removing  morbid  tendencies.  One  can  train 
the  mind  to  this  end.  It  is  merely  what  is  usually 
termed  ** getting  above  one's  self,"  or  "putting  sor- 
row, grief  and  pain  under  one's  feet."  It  is  simply 
the  conquest  of  self  and  sin,  as  taught  in  different 
ways  in  religion  and  philosophy.  Cheerfully,  hope-, 
fully  bring  the  soul  into  harmony  with  the  good  in  the 
universe.    Where  there   is  light  there   can  be  no 


350  HEALTH  FOR  ALL  POSSIBLE. 

darkness,  where  health  reigns,  disease  disappears. 
Learn  to  subordinate  the  body.  Encourage  all  in- 
dications of  health.  By  a  calm  trust  and  a  restful 
faith  in  the  Divine,  sins  of  the  body  (disease)  as  well 
as  sins  of  the  soul  may  be  dethroned,  and  health  and 
happiness  reign  supreme. 

For  the  sake  of  human  progress,  may  every  parent 
lose  sight  of  selfish  interest,  and  strive  to  the  utmost 
for  all  conditions  that  shall  favor  the  highest  good 
of  offspring,  "  for  to  be  well-born  is  the  right  of  every 
child." 


AUTHOR'S  SPECIAL  REQUEST. 

The  author  earnestly  solicits  every  lady  who  has 
followed  the  teachings  of  Tokology  during  pregnancy 
to  communicate  the  result.  Her  name  will  be  sup- 
pressed if  desired.  For  the  sake  of  all  suffering 
women  she  asks  a  faithful  report  upon  these  points: 

What  has  been  your  experience  in  previous  labors.-* 

How  long  before  your  confinement  did  you  have 
Tokology? 

What  hindrances  existed  to  your  following  the 
directions  strictly.? 

Did  you  take  all  the  exercises  recommended.' 

Did  you  climb  stairs  and  walk  daily.? 

Did  you  follow  any  occupation  or  do  housework.? 

How  ..ear  did  you  dress  according  to  instructions.? 

Did  you  take  the  baths  prescribed,  and  which  gave 
the  most  relief  for  existing  symptoms? 

Were  hot  sitz-baths  taken  during  confinement.' 

How  faithfully  was  fruit  diet  followed.? 

Did  you  eat  meat,  pastry  or  butter.? 

Did  you  omit  the  products  of  the  wheat.? 

How  many  meals  z.  day  were  taken.? 

Did  you  live  a  continent  life  during  the  entire  nine 
months.? 

Give  the  length  and  severity  of  labor,  also  condi- 
tion of  child  at  birth,  and  its  subsequent  health.? 

Did  you  have  trouble  with  the  breasts  or  any  post- 
partum disease.? 

State  length  of  time  and  particulars  of  recovery. 

Add  other  items  of  interest,  also  experiences  of 
other  persons  coming  to  your  knowledge. 


(350 


GLOSSARY. 


Abdominal. — Belonging  to  the  abdomen  or  belly. 
Abnormal. — Unhealthy,  unnatural. 
Aconite.  — Aconitum  Napellus.     Monk's-hood. 
Accoucheur. — Surgeon  in  childbirth. 
Adipose. — Fatty. 
Adjuvant.  — Aid. 
Alterative. — A  mild  cathartic. 
Amaurosis. — Paralysis  of  optic  nerve. 
Amenorrhea. — Suppression  of  the  menses. 
Ammonia. — Hartshorn. 

Amnion. — The  internal  membrane  containing  the  waters  and   fetiis> 
Amniotic. — Pertaining  to  amnion. 
Anemia. — An  impoverished  state  of  blood.     Bloodless. 
Anodyne. — Soothing  pain. 
Anteversion. — Bending  forward. 
Antiperiodic. — A  remedy  for  intermittent  affections. 
Antiphlogistic. — Counteracting  inflammation. 
Antiseptic. — Preventing  or  retarding  putrefaction. 
Anus. — Circular  opening  or  outlet  of  the  bowels. 
Aorta. — The  great  artery  of  the  heart. 
Aperient. — Laxative,  mild  cathartic. 

Aphrodisiac. — To  excite  sexual  desire,  or  to  increase  Ae  generative 
power. 
.^/AMa. —Thrush.     Infants'  sore  mouth. 
Apis  Mellijica. — Honey  bee. 
Arnica  Montana. — Leopard's  bane. 
Arsenicum  Album.  — White  arsenic. 
Astringent. — Binding,  contracting. 
Auricle — Upper  chambers  of  the  heart. 

Auscultation. — Act  of  listening  to  sounds  in  any  part  of  the  body 
Axilla. — Arm  pit. 

Bacteria. — Infusoria.     Microscopical  insects. 
BeUculonHa, — Deadly  nightshade. 
(352) 


GLOSSARY.  353 

Benzoin. — Balsamic  resin  from  styrax  benzoin. 

Bronehorrkea. — Increased  discharge  of  mucus  from  the  bronchia. 

Bryonia  Alba. — White  bryony. 

Calcarea  Carbonica. — Carbonate  of  lime. 

Calenduline. — Mixture  of  calendula  and  cosmoline. 

Cantharis. — Spanish  fly. 

Capillaries. — Hair-like  vessels  for  conveying  the  blood  from  the 
arteries  to  the  veins. 

Capsules. — Small  membranous  sacs. 

Cardiac. — Belonging  to  the  heart. 

Catarrh. — A  dischai^e  from  mucus  surfaces  of  the  body. 

Cathartic. — A  drug  that  increases  the  action  of  the  bowels. 

Caul. — The  membranes  which,  not  being  ruptured,  cover  the  child's 
head  and  face  at  birth. 

Cellular. — Composed  of  cells. 

Cellulitis. — Inflammation  of  the  cellular  tissues. 

Cervix. — Neck. 

Cervix  Uteri. — Neck  of  the  womb. 

Chamomilla  Matricaria. — Wild  matricary.     Chamomile. 

Chorion — The  most  external  membrane  enveloping  the  fetus. 

Cimicifuga  Racemosa. — Macrotis.   Black  cohosh.    Black  snake  root 

Clavicle. — Collar  bone. 

Clitnacteric. — A  critical  period. 

Coccyx. — Terminal  bone  of  the  spine. 

Cohosh. — Black  snake  root.     Squaw  root. 

Colocynthis. — Bitter  cucumber. 

Congestion. — Over-fullness  of  blood-vessels. 

Contusion. — A  bruise. 

Crural. — Belonging  to  the  leg. 

nys litis. — Inflammation  of  the  bladder. 

Defecation. — ^The  act  of  voiding  excrement  or  feces. 

Depurition. — Removal  of  impurities. 

Diagnosis. — Scientific  determination  of  diseases. 

Diaphragm. — Breathing  muscle  between  chest  and  abdomen. 

Diaphoretic, — A  remedy  that  produces  perspiration. 

Diluent. — A  substance  that  dilutes  or  thins  liquid. 

Diphtheria. — A  malignant  membranous  disease  of  the  throat. 

Diphtheritic. — Pertaining  to  diphtheria. 

Diuretic. — Causing  increased  discharge  of  urine. 

Duodenum. — The  first  part  of  the  small  intestines. 

Dystocia.— 'Vn&sxiX  and  surgical  delivery. 


354  GLOSSARY. 

Eclat. — Brilliant  reputation,  distinction,  prestige. 

Emmenagoguc. — Remedy  that  promotes  the  menstrual  dis- 
charge. 

Emulsify. — Soften,  make  milky. 

Encicnte. — Pregnant. 

Enema. — Injection. 

Enteritis. — Inflammation  of  the  intestines. 

Epidermis. — Outer  Skin. 

Ergot. — Smut  of  rye.    A  poisonous  fungus  growth. 

Etiology. — The  science  of  the  causes  of  disease. 

Eustachian  valve. — A  valve  of  the  heart. 

Excoriation. — A  chafing  or  abrasion  of  the  skin. 

Excretion. — Anything  thrown  off  from  the  system. 

Excretory. — Throwing  off  matter. 

Exosmosis. — Passage  of  liquids  through  membranes  outward. 

Fallopian  Tubes. — Tubes  from  ovaries  to  uterus.     Oviducts. 

Fauces. — The  upper  part  of  the  throat. 

Feces. — Discharge  from  the  bowels.    Excrement. 

Fecundation. — The  act  of  impregnation.     Fertilization. 

Fetal. — Pertaining  to  fetus  or  child  in  the  womb. 

Fetus. — Child  in  the  womb  after  the  fifth  month. 

Fimbriated. — Fringed,   finger-like. 

Flatulence. — Gases  in  the  stomach  or  bowels. 

Flex. — Bend. 

Fomentation. — Warm  or  hot  application  to  the  body. 

Foramen  Ovale. — Opening  between  the  auricles  of  fetal  heart. 

Friable. — Easily  crumbled  or  broken. 

Function. — The  office  or  duty  of  any  organ. 

Fundus. — Body. 

Ganglia. — Nerve  centers. 

Ganglionic. — Pertaining  to  ganglia. 

Gangrene. — The  first  stage  of  mortification. 

Gastritis. — Inflammation  of  the  stomach. 

Gclsemium  Scmpcrvirens. — Yellow  Jessamine. 

Gestation. — Period  of  growth  of  child  in  the  womb. 

Glairy. — Like  the  white  of  an  egg. 

Gravid. — From  gravis,  heavy.  A  term  applied  to  the  uterus 
during  gestation. 

Gustatory. — Pertaining  to  taste. 

Gynecologist. — One  who  makes  a  specialty  of  gynecology. 

Gynecology. — The  science  which  treats  of  female  organs. 

Hamamclis  Virginica. — Witch  Hazel. 


GLOSSARY.  3S5 

Hemorrhoids. — Piles.     Tumors  in  and  about  the  anus. 
Hydrastis. — Golden  seal,  yellow  root. 
Hygiene. — The  art  of  preserving  health. 
Hyperemia, — Excess  of  blood  in  any  part. 
Ignatia  ATnara. — St.  Ignatius'  bean. 
Impaction. — Hardened  and  packed  closely. 
Impotence. — Incapable  of  procreating. 
Induration — Hardening. 
Infusoria. — Microscopic  insects. 
Insomnia.  — Sleeplessness. 
Integument.  — Skin. 
Intrauterine. — Within  the  uterus. 
Introversion. — ^Tumed  within. 
Ipecacuanha. — Ipecac. 
Labia. — The  lips  of  the  vagina. 
Laxative. — Remedy  increasing  action  of  the  bowels. 
Liquor  /miAi. — Secretion  in  which  the  fetus  floats. 
Lobelia  l.iflata. — Indian  tobacco. 
Malaise. — Discomfort.     Indisposition. 
Mammary. — Pertaining  to  the  breast. 

Massage. — Manipulation    of    surface    and    muscles    for    remedial 
purposes. 

Maturation. — ^The  formation  of  pus.     The  act  of  maturing. 

Meconium. — First  feces  of  infant. 

Menopause. — Change  of  life. 

Menorrhagia. — Profuse  menstruation. 

Menstruation. — Monthly  discharge  of  blood  from  the  uterus. 

Mercurius  Corrosivus.. — Corrosive  sublimate. 

Mercurius  Solubilis. — Black  oxide  of  mercury. 

Metritis. — Inflammation  of  the  womb. 

Metrorrhagia. — Hemorrhage  of  the  womb. 

Miscible. — Capable  of  being  mixed. 

Morbific. — Causing  disease. 

Muco-sangtdneous. — ^Composed  of  blood  and  mucus. 

Multipara. — Having  had  several  children. 

Nux  Vomica. — Strychnos.     Vomit  nut. 

Obstetrics. — Tokology.     Midwifery. 

Os. — Mouth.     Used  as  mouth  of  womb. 

Osmosis. — ^Transudation  of  fluids  through  membrane. 

Osseous,  — ^Bony . 

Ova. — Floral  of  egg. 


.9S0  GLOMA&Y. 

Ovary. — Almond-shaped  body  in  which  the  ova  are  developed. 

Oviducts. — Tubes  which  convey  the  ova  from  ovaries  to  oteros. 

Ovum. — An  egg. 

Oxygenation. — The  process  of  combining  with  oxygen. 

Parietes. — Walls  of  a  cavity. 

Parturition.  — Childbirth. 

Pathological. — Morbid,  diseased. 

Peritoneal. — Pertaining  to  the  peritoneum. 

Perineum. — The  floor  of  the  pelvis,  or  space  between  and  including 
the  anus  and  vulva. 

Peristaltic. — The  peculiar  worm-like  movement  of  the  intestines. 

Peritoneum. — A  membrane  lining  the  walls  and  organs  of  the 
abdomen. 

Peritomtis. — Inflammation  of  lining  membrane  of  bowels. 

Pelvic. — Pertaining  to  the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen  or  pelvis. 

Phytolacca. — Pokeroot. 

Placebo. — A  remedy  to  gratify  the  patient. 

Placenta. — The  after-birth. 

Placenta  Previa. — Placenta  presenting  before  child-birth. 

Plethoric— YviXS.  habit.     Fleshy. 

Podofhylhitn. — Mandrake.     May  apple. 

Portal  circulation. — Venous  circulation  of  blood  from  the  digestive 
organs  to  the  liver. 

Post  partum. — Subsequent  to  childbirth. 

Primapara. — Woman  who  has  brought  forth  her  first  child. 

Prognosis. — Prediction  of  the  termination  of  a  disease. 

Prolapsus. — Falling.     Protrusion. 

Prolapsus  ani. — Protrusion  of  the  rectum. 

Prolapsus  uteri. — Falling  of  the  womb. 

ProKJication. — Generation  of  offspring. 

Pubes. — External  part  of  the  organs  of  generation  covered  with  hair,. 

Pubic. — Pertaining  to  the  pubes. 

Puerperal. — Belonging  to  or  consequent  upon  childbirth. 

Pulmonary. — Pertaining  to  the  lungs. 

Pulsatilla  Nigricans. — Wind  flower. 

Purulent. — Consisting  of  pus. 

Pruritus. — A  skin  trouble  characterized  by  intense  itching. 

Pyemia. — Poisoned  by  absorption  of  pus. 

Radial. — Belonging  to  the  radius,  one  of  the  bones  (A.  the  fore-arm. 

Rectum. — Lower  portion  of  intestines. 

Renal, — Pertaining  to  the  kidneys. 


GLOSSARY.  357 

ketroversiott. — Falling  backward. 

Retroverted. — Bent  backward. 

Rigor. — Chilliness.    Convulsive  shuddering. 

Sacral. — Pertaining  to  the  sacrum,  the  large,  triangular  bone  near 
the  end  of  the  spinal  column. 

Saline.  — Salty. 

Salivation. — Unnatural  flow  of  saliva. 

Sanative. — Health  producing. 

Sanguineous.  — Bloody. 

Sanguinaria. — Blood  root. 

Sanious. — Secretion  tinged  with  blood. 

Sciatic.  — Pertaining  to  the  hip. 

Sebaceous. — Secreting  fatty  matter. 

Sedative. — Quieting.     Soothing. 

Sedular. — Pertaining  to  seed. 

Sedular  absorption. — Absorption  of  the  seed  or  semen. 

Semen. — Secretion  of  the  testes. 

Septic. — A  substance  that  promotes  putrefaction.     Putrid. 

Septum.  — Partition. 

Septicemia. — Poisoning  by  putrid  substances. 

Serous  membrane. — The  lining  of  cavities  which  have  no  external 
opening. 

Seton. — An  opening  in  the  flesh  made  and  continued  by  drawing 
through  a  skein  of  silk  or  linen  thread  or  horsehair. 

Siesta. — A  midday  nap. 

Silicea. — Pure  flint. 

Sitz-bath. — A  bath  in  a  sitting  position. 

Sphincter  muscle. — Circular,  contracting  muscle. 

Sperm. — Seed.     Fecundating  principle. 

Sputa.  — Matter  coughed  up  from  throat  and  lungs.     Phlegm. 

Sterility. — Barrenness. 

Stertorious. — Stertorous.     Deep.     Labored.     Snoring. 

Stroma.. — Connective  tissue. 

Strumous.  — Scrofulous. 

Styptic. — An  astringent.     A  substance  that  arrests  hemorrhage. 

Synchronous. — Happening  at  the  same  time. 

Tampon.^h.  plug  to  arrest  hemorrhage. 

Term. — Full  time  of  gestation. 

Testes. — Glands  which  secrete  the  semen. 

Testicle. — Gland  that  secretes  the  semen. 

fherapia, — ^TberapetUtcs.    Remedies. 


358  GLOSSARY. 

Therapeutic. — The  treatment  of  disease.     Curative. 

Tissue. — The  peculiar  structure  of  a  part. 

Tokology.— "^jCisxiCQ  of  midwifery.  From  Greek  Tokot,  childbirth 
and  Logos,  discourse, 

Toxocological. — Pertaining  to  poisons. 

Trachea.  — Windpipe. 

Transudation. — The  oozing  of  blood  through  a  membrane. 

Tympanitic. — Distension  of  abdomen.     Drum-like. 

Umbilical. — Pertaining  to  the  navel. 

Umbilicus. — The  navel.  The  place  in  the  abdomen  from  which  the 
cord  is  removed. 

Urachus.  —A  ligament  that  sustains  the  bladder. 

Urinary. — Pertaining  to  the  urine. 

Uterus. — Womb. — The  organ  in  which  the  fetus  is  developed. 

Vagina. — Passage  leading  from  the  womb. 

Varicose  Veins. — Veins  permanently  dilated,  with  accumulation  of 
dark-colored  blood. 

Fflj^/ar.— Relating  to  the  bloodvessels. 

Vena  Cava. — The  large  vein  communicating  with  the  heart. 

Venous. — Pertaining  to  the  veins. 

Ventricle. — One  of  the  lower  chambers  of  the  heart. 

Veratrum  Album. — White  hellebore. 

Vernix  Caseosa. — Unctious  material  found  on  a  new-bom  babe. 

Vesicles. — A  small  cavity  or  sac  in  the  human  body. 

Viable. — Capable  of  life. 

Viability. — Capacity  of  living. 

Villi. — Minute  papillary  elevations  for  absorption. 

Viscera. — Organs  within  the  cavity  of  the  body. 

Vulva. — Outer  lips  of  the  vagina. 

Zymotic. — Caused  by  fermentation.  A  zymotic  disease  is  one 
caused  by  bacteria,  or  some  morbific  principle,  acting  like  a  ferment. 


INDEX. 


PACB. 

Abortion...  ,,,« 243 

Absolute  freedom  of  dress 335 

Accidental  experience. . , 329 

After  pains 197 

"  removed 333 

Agent's  testimony. 336 

Alcoholic  stimalaat 258 

Amenorrhea 253 

Analysis  of  food ».,.   137 

Analysis  of  milk, ..  „ 213 

Aphtha 217 

Appetite,  greedy. 80 

"        lossdP 81 

Artificial  human  milk. 212 

Author's  special  request 351 

Bandage 181 

Bates  Waist 103 

Bathing  in  pregnancy ., .-      iii 

Bath,  sitz ,. 113 

«       "hot 184 

"    sponge 112 

"     thermal 118 

"    Turkish 118 

Better  way , 343 

Biliousness 46 

Bill  of  f are  in  pr^nancy o....  135 

Blue  baby „ 31 

Breathing,  waist 141 

"  instructioos  for 142, 143 

Bumingfeet. 85 

Cathartic  drugs 57 

Caustic  treatment 269 

(359) 


360  INDEX. 

Change  of  life 276 

Chastity  in  marriage 150 

ChemilooD 102 

Child  bed  fever 199 

Childbirth,  painless. ... 17 

Children's  rights 151 

Climbing  hills I48 

"         stairs I47 

Cohosh 187 

Colic  of  infants 219 

Common  sense  shoes 99 

Control  of  sex 321 

Compress,  cold Il6 

"  "  in  croup 117 

Conception 28 

Constipation 51 

"  causes  of 52 

«  effects  of 51 

"  exercise  in 68 

**  exercises  for 69 

"  of  infants 222 

"  treatment  of 58 

Contagious  diseases 238 

"  health „  242 

Continence,  theory  of « 157 

"  in  pregnancy 159 

Convulsions 240 

Corsets 105 

Cramps , 85 

Croup,  spasmodic ., 234 

"      membranous 334 

Curse  of  suffering  removed 33^ 

Dentition 229 

Diarrhea  in  pregnancy 82 

"       of  infants 224 

Diet  in  pregnancy 124 

Dietetics 286 

"      index 365 

Difficult  labor 183 

Diphtheria ...236 


INDEX.  361 

PAGB. 

Diseases  of  women 263 

Displacement  of  the  uterus 273 

Divided  skirt 103 

Dress  and  freedom 104 

"     errors  in 255,265 

"    physiological 98 

"     in  pregnancy „..,.     98 

Duration  of  pregnancy 33 

Dysentery  of  infants 224 

Dysmenorrhea 254 

Dyspepsia = 42 

Education  of  respiratory  muscles , 139 

Eight  months  child 36 

Embryo,  development  of „ 29 

««       growth  of 33 

Enema,  warm  or  hot 48 

"      for  sick  headache 7^ 

Eminent  testimony 271,  234 

Entire  wheat  floor 61 

Equestrian  tighte 103 

Ergot 187 

"    cause  of  child-bed  fever 201 

Errors  in  dress 255,265 

Excess  of  milk 196 

Exercise  in  constipation 68 

"       "pregnancy 13^ 

"      results  from. 34° 

Exercises  in  constipation 69 

*'         "  pregnancy..... ...  I44 

"        for  uterine  diseases 267 

Excoriation , , 218 

Excoriated  nipples 194 

Experience  extraordinary 133 

"  Mrs.  Rowbotham 125 

"  touching 156 

Fallopian  tubes 26 

Fashion  in  deformity 108 

Fetal  circulation 30 

"    heart-beat , 38 

**    nutrition.    ,,..,, 29,32 


363  INDEX. 

PACE. 

Feticide 245 

Fetus,  development  of 35 

Fetus,  position 36 

Flatulence 79 

Flour  of  entire  wheat ...     61 

Fomentation,  hot 115 

Food,  analysis  of . . . , 137 

"      constipating 67 

"      laxative 67 

Fowler's  clarion  note , 109 

Fruit  diet  for  pregnancy 126 

"    feast  on 65 

Gardening,  light 139 

Glossary 354 

Greed/ appetite 80 

Habits  of  cleanliness 209 

Headache 74 

"        enema  for 78 

"        sick 74 

**        and  tea-drinking 74 

««        remedies  for. 78 

Health  contagious 242 

"      for  all  possible 350 

Heart-bum 78 

Hemorrhage 198 

"  hot  applications  for 198 

"  uterine 279 

Hemorrhoids 79 

Hot  bread 54 

"     flashes 278 

*«    fomentations 114 

"    water  bottle 115 

"    sitz-bath 184 

Hygiene  in  pregnancy , 90 

Hysteria 274 

Impregnation o , .    28 

Indian  tradition ,        342 

Induration ,. 265 

••        effects  of 341 

Infants ^.« 204 


INDEX  363 

PAGE. 

Infants,  artificial  food 210 

"      bathing 205,  209 

Infant  clothing 206 

"      diseases 217 

"      nursing 210 

Inflammation  of  the  bowels 229 

Injections 48 

Insomnia 87 

Insufficient  milk 194 

Instruments 188 

Labor i74 

"    cohosh  in 187 

"    difficult 183 

"    ergot  in 187 

"    instrumental 189 

"    natural 174 

Law  of  continence I57.  324 

Law  of  Ovulation 324 

Lesson  for  husbands 155 

Leucorrhea 272 

"  in  pregnancy 88 

Lime  and  Charcoal 168 

Limiting  offspring 323 

Liquor  amnii 31 

Lochia I97 

Longevity  and  lung  power 142 

Longings 82 

Loss  of  appetite 81 

Lucrative  work 96 

Lung  power 142 

Magnetism 84 

Mammary  abcess I93 

glands 28 

Measles 239 

Meat-fed  children 215 

Meddlesome  midwifery 178 

Membranes,  fetal 31 

Menopause  276 

Menorrhagia 260 

Menstruation • 252 


364.  INDEX. 

MenstruAHon,  cessation  of 37 

Metrorrhagia 198 

Milk,  analysis  of , 213 

«•     artificial  hnman 212 

"    excessof 196 

'*     insofficient 194 

'•     for  nursing  mothers 195 

Military  position 144 

Mind  cure 275,  347 

Morning  sickness 44 

Mothers  overtaxed 92 

Natural  remedies 282 

Nausea 44 

Navel,  dressing  of 205 

•*      poaching  of » 206 

Neuralgia 83 

«'        treatment  for 84 

Nutrition  of  the  fetus 29 

Obstetric  harness 177 

Offspring,  best  interests  of 345 

Olivet  students 348 

Opiates 220 

Ovaries 25 

Oviducts 26 

Ovulation,  law  of 324 

Pack,  wet  sheet 225 

"     infant ,....  225 

Pains  in  the  side 86 

Painless  childbirth 17 

FathoI<^cal  symptoms 39 

Parturition.... 174 

"  without  pain o 17 

Peritoneum 27 

Perspiration,  profuse 279 

Physicians'  opinions 19,  271 

Piles 79 

Placenta 30 

"     adhered 180 

Post  partum  diseases 190 

«*        "     treatment 190 


INDEX.  365 

VAOM. 

Pouching  navel. 206 

Pre-natal  cnltore 3^7 

Pregnancy,  diseases  of 4^ 

"         dresa  in. 98 

"         duration  of 33 

"         hygiene  <tf 90 

*'         agns  of 37 

"         restia 169 

Princess  garment 102 

Prophecy  for  the  future 97 

Pruritus S9 

Puerperal  fever 199 

«*  "  treatmentof 202 

♦•        peritonitis...' 199 

"        septicemia 202 

Quickening 3^ 

Regulating  sex  of  ofEspring 321 

Removal  of  pl£centa 180 

Rest  in  pregnancy ' 169 

Rigidity  of  integument 87 

Rights  of  children 151 

Rubber  nipples 214 

Saliva,  excessive  secretion 80 

Salt  rheum 122 

Satisfactory  results . .  331 

Scarlet  fever 238 

Self  healing 275,  281,  349 

Septicemia ..202 

Siesta,  daily. 169 

Sitz-bath 113 

"      hot 184 

Sleeplessness 87 

Soap  suppositories 223 

Social  evil 153 

Spongebath 112 

Stairs,  climbing 147 

Stanton,  E.  C,  testimony  of 172 

Summer  complaint 225 

Swelling  of  limbs 86 

TaWeoffoods 67 


356  INDEX. 

PACB. 

Tea  and  sick  headache 74 

Temperance  worker's  words ,. ..,,  337 

Testimonials 327 

Terry's  theory. ........... , 322 

Thermal  bath 118 

Thury's  theory 322 

Tight  lacing 109 

Umbilical  cord 31 

"  "   treatmentof ,,,.   179 

Union  undergarments ,..  loi 

"  "  patterns  of 102 

Unwelcome  children 154 

Urine,  incontinence  of , 233 

"      retention  of. .. ., 233 

Uterus 26 

"      inflammation  of 263 

"      ulceration  of 264 

Uterine  diseases , 263 

'*        ligaments 27 

Vagina 27 

Ventilation 163 

"         in  bedrooms 164 

Vocation,  value  of 346 

Weaning,  time  for 215 

Wheat,  rolled  or  cracked 64 

Wheatlet 64 

Whooping  cough 240 

Wiser  parenthood 326 

Worms ,,, ,,   , , , , 332 


INDEX  OF  DIETETICSo 


PAGB. 

Apples,  baked 318 

Apple  pie  cake 315 

Apple  snow 318 

Apple  tapioca  pudding 312 


INDEX  OF   DIETETICS.  367 

PASS. 

Asparagus  on  toast 308 

Baked  apples 318 

Baked  eggs 310 

Baked  Indian  pudding 313 

Baked  macaroni 319 

Baked  milk 290 

Baked  pears 318 

Baked  pieplant 318 

Barley  coffee 289 

Beef  tea 288 

Blancmange,  farina 311 

"  fruit 319 

"  wheatlet 297 

Boiled  eggs 309 

Boston  brown  bread 303 

Bran  gruel 290 

"    jelly. 294 

Bread 300 

"    Boston  brown 303 

"     com 303 

"     graham 303 

"     unleavened 302 

"    white,  with  yeast 304 

Breakfast  patties 307 

Broiled  oysters 311 

Broth,  chicken 292 

Brown  gems , 302 

Browned  rice 299 

Buckwheat  cakes 306 

Buttermilk 291 

Buttermilk  pop 292 

Cake 315 

"   apple  pie 315 

"  coraline 316 

"   eureka  sponge 316 

"   graham ., 316 

"   huckleberry 317 

Cereals 20^ 

Chicken  broth -  : 

Cracked  wheat .:q6 


368  INDEX  OF  DIETETICS. 


Cracked  wheat  pudding 311 

Crackers,  graham 305 

"  "       fruit 305 

Cracker  omelet 320 

Codfish  toast 307 

CofEee,  wheat,  oat  or  barley 289 

Coraline  cake 316 

Com  bread 303 

Com  griddle  cakes 306 

Com  meal  gmel 290 

"    mush  pudding 313 

"    tea 289 

Dessert,  strawberry 314 

Drinks  for  theaick 286 

Eggs  as  food 308 

"     baked 310 

<'     escalloped 310 

"     boiled 309 

Egg  lemonade 287 

"  omelet 310 

"  poached 309 

"        "      in  milk 309 

*<  scrambled 310 

"  steamed 310 

"  on  toast 308 

Escalloped  eggs 310 

Eureka  spongecake 316 

Farina  blanc-mange 311 

"     mush 296 

"     soup 293 

Flaxseed  lemonade 287 

Fruit  blanc-mange 319 

•'     ice 319 

"     sauce 317 

Gelatine,  lemcm 294 

Gems,  brown 3P^ 

**      graham 301 

"    oatmeal  and  graham 302 

"    white  flour 302 

Gem  toast 3*^7 


INDEX  OF  DIETETICS.  3^9 

rA.aK. 

Graham  biscuit •  302 

"      best  light  biscuit 303 

"      bread 303 

«'      Cake 3»6 

'•      crackers 3°5 

"      fruit  crackers 3^5 

"      fruit  roll 3^7 

"      gems 301 

"      gem  pudding 3^' 

"      gruel 290 

1'      muffins 301 

"      mush 296 

"      wafers 30S 

Granula, 297 

Gravy 3^9 

Griddle  cakes,  buckwheat 3°^ 

"  com 306 

«'  rice 299,306 

"  shorts 306 

"  wheatlet 3°^ 

Gruel,  bran 290 

*•    corn  meal 290 

"     graham 290 

"    oatmeal 290 

"    rice 289 

Gum  Arabic  water 287 

Hominy 297 

Hot  milk  291 

Huckleberry  and  bread  pudding 3^3 

"  cake 317 

Ices,  fruit 3^9 

Indian  meal  fruit  pudding 3*2 

««  mush .■...296 

Jelly,  bran  nutrina 294 

"      lemon , 292 

"      sago 294 

"      sago  currant 294 

"      water 287 

Lemonade "  286 

"        ecg , .-•»•  287 


370  INDEX  OF  DIETETICS. 

PAGE. 

Lemonade,  flaxseed 287 

hot 286 

Lemon  gelatine 294 

"      jelly 293 

Macaroni,  baked 319 

"  soup 293 

"  stewed 319 

Milk,  baked 290 

"     hot 291 

"     porridge 290 

"     toast 307 

Mother's  apple  pudding 313 

Muffins,  graham 301 

Muffins,  rice 305 

Mush,  farina 296 ' 

"      graham 296 

"     Indian  meal 296 

"     oatmeal 296 

"     wheatlet 297 

Nutrina 294 

Oat  coffee 289 

Oatmeal  cake 303 

"        gruel  290 

"        and  graham  gems 302 

"        mush 296 

"        snaps 304 

"        tea 287 

Omelet,  cracker 320 

"      egg 310 

"      rice 299 

Orange  pudding 312 

"       whey 286 

Oysters,  broiled 311 

"       raw 310 

"       stewed 311 

Oyster  toast 307 

Patties,  breakfast 307 

Peaches  317 

Pears,  baked 318 

Pie-plant,  baked ' 318 


^  INDEX  OF  DIETETICS.  37t 

PAGEi 
Pietf 314 

Pie  for  dyspeptics 314 

Pie,  strawberry 314 

Plum  pudding 313 

Poached  eggs 309 

"        in  milk 309 

Porridge,  milk 290 

Pudding,  apple  tapioca 312 

"        bakedlndian 313 

"        com  mush 313 

"        cracked  wheat 311 

"        graham  gem 311 

«        huckleberry  bread 313 

*•        Indian  fruit 312 

"        mother's  apple 313 

"        (grange 312 

"        plum 313 

*♦        rice 312 

"  "  and  apple 298 

"  "     "    berry 299 

"        wheatlet  and  apple 297 

Puree  of  split  peas 293 

Raw  oysters 310 

Rennet  whey , ,  286 

Rhubarb  toast 308 

Rice  and  apple  pudding 298 

"     "    berry        "       299 

"  boiled 300 

"   browned 299 

"  cream 299 

"  griddle  cakes 299,306 

"   gruel 289 

"  Japanese 300 

"   mufi5ns 305 

"  omelet 299 

"  pudding 312 

"  and  raisins, ..  .^ , 298 

"  snow 298 

"  snowballs 298 

Rolled  wheat 296 

r  "~ 

24 


372  INDEX  OF  DIETETICS. 

rAOB. 

Sago,  currant  jelly , *.« 294 

Sago,  jelly 294 

"      milk , 287 

Scalloped  tomatoes ., 320 

Scrambled  eggs 310 

Snaps,  oatmeal ,.  304 

Soup,  farina 293 

"      macaroni 293 

"      tomato 293 

"      pea 293 

Steamed  eggs -  -  - , 310 

Stewed  macaroni 319 

Stewed  ojrsters 311 

Snowballs,  rice 298 

Snow,  apple ••• 318 

*'      rice 298 

Strawberry  dessert 3H 

pie 314 

"  short-cake 315 

Tamarind  water 288 

Tea,  beef 288 

"    com - 289 

"    oatmeal 287 

Toast,  asparagus  on 308 

•'      codBsh 307 

"      eggs  on 308 

"      gem 307 

"      milk 307 

"      oyster 307 

"      rhubarb 308 

"      tomato 308 

Toast  water 287 

Tomiatoes,  scalloped 320 

Tomato  soup 293 

"      toast -   308 

"      withoMm 320 

Unleavened  bread 302 

Wafers,  graham 3<^5 

Wheat  coffee 289 

"     cracked 20 


INDEX.  OF  DIETETICS.  3/3 

PAGB. 

Wheat,  roUed ^^ 

Wbeatlet  and  apple  podding 297 

**         blancmange , 297 

"        griddlecakes 306 

"        mush 297 

"         pudding 297 

¥Piiey,  orange 286 

"      rennet 286 

White  floor  bread 304 

'«         "     gems 302 

Water,  gtun  Arabic 2S7 

••        jeUy 287 

••        tamarind ••••«....•. < i*.     288 

♦«       toast .,, 287 


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REC'D  BIOS 


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